From Anne …
On May 18th we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the laying of St. Luke’s cornerstone. Earl Williams reminded us that the St. Luke’s congregation was actually formed in 1946, several years before the new building. For those years the congregation continued to meet at Mt. Tabor, which had been renamed St. Luke’s. You can see it still – now The Church of the Divine Science – just down Wisconsin Avenue at Whitehaven Parkway. And if you look at it another way, the beginnings of St. Luke’s go way back to 1829, when Congress Street Methodist Church began in Georgetown. Congress Street (now a Christian Science Church), Aldersgate (also in Georgetown, now The Church of Two Worlds on Q Street) and Mt. Tabor sold their buildings and joined together to begin St. Luke’s.
These three congregations made a courageous and difficult decision to leave behind the beautiful church buildings that had been their historic homes, to give up their separate identities as congregations, and to claim a future together as a new church. More than anything else, their decision required confidence that God would infuse the future with new purpose and new life.
So ours is a precious heritage of openness to new directions and willingness to embrace change, attitudes that are grounded in faith. We celebrate that heritage on May 18th as we give thanks for the past fifty years and look forward to God’s continued guidance as we move into a new beginning for St. Luke’s.
The Visioning Workshop of March 23 was a great way to start our congregational thinking about St. Luke’s new beginning. If you have had any further thoughts about the workshop, or if you have wanted to amplify or clarify any thoughts, or if you weren’t able to attend but still have ideas that haven’t been named yet, the church council wants to hear from you in the next few weeks. You should have received the summary of the workshop, but if for some reason you haven’t seen it, please let the church office know. Many, many thanks to Richard Pyle for facilitating the workshop and to Kim Pyle for providing the summary of all that happened that day!
Over the summer, the church council will be working with the results of the visioning workshop to prioritize and focus our direction in ministry; to develop an investment plan that will allow us to undertake and support our ministry; and to develop a renovation plan for the building that will enable us to engage in ministry as effectively as possible.
Expect to be hearing often from the church council in the coming months, and please continue to share your thoughts with them. We will need every person’s insights if we are to make the most of this precious opportunity for a new beginning in the life of St. Luke’s.
May Schedule of Events
4 Holy Communion
Rev. Mark Schaefer presiding
Grate Patrol Offering and meal making
6 study group 7:30 – 8:30 pm
Grate Patrol 7– 9 pm
7 evening prayer 7:30- 7:45 pm chapel
13 study group 7:30 – 8:30 pm
14 evening prayer 7:30-7:45 pm chapel
18 Anniversary celebration 11:00 am
Our turn with Shelter dinner 6:45 pm
20 study group 7:30- 8:30 pm
21 evening prayer 7:30 – 7:45 pm
22 church council 7 – 9 pm Wesley Room
26 Memorial Day; church office closed
27 study group 7:30-8:30 pm
28 evening prayer 7:30-7:45 pm chapel
30 Jazz in the Garden 6:30-8:30 pm
And coming up in June…
1 Holy Communion
Ascension Sunday
Grate Patrol offering & meal making
8 Pentecost Sunday
50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
11:00 AM MAY 18TH
The Church Rededication is on May 18, and includes a Homecoming for former Pastors and Church members, a portrayal of Methodist founder Robert Strawbridge, and a rededication of the building’s cornerstone. We also plan to have a tree planting and the playing of the bells that day. Please bring family and friends to join us for the joyous event!
The Rev. Mark Schaeffer to Preach on May 4
The Rev. Mark Schaeffer, United Methodist Chaplain at American University, will preach and preside at holy communion on Sunday, May 4th. Mark is a graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary and was ordained an Elder in 2002.
2ND ANNUAL JAZZ CONCERT SERIES IN THE GARDEN AT ST. LUKE’S
This year’s concert series features six two-hour performances beginning on Friday, May 30th at 6:30 pm.
The concert series evolved as a community outreach project envisioned to promote the growth and exposure of the many programs available to our neighbors. Our mission is two-fold in that as the concert series grows, so does the garden!
This year’s garden features an array of roses, surrounded by holly and boxwoods. We have an herb garden along with rhododendrons and an assortment of container plants. Our flower garden showcases a variety of flowers such as daisies, daylilies, peonies, salvia, snapdragons, chrysanthemums, butterfly bush, gladiolas, and begonias.
Bring a picnic basket, family, friends and a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy six performances this summer. All performances will begin promptly at 6:30pm and are free to the general public. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the premises.
When was the last time you spent two hours in the garden?
– Curt Canada2003 JAZZ IN THE GARDEN CONCERT SERIES SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2003
SOUNDS GOOD
THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2003
HALLEY SHOENBERG TRIO
THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2003
GREG JENKINS TRIO
THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2003
HOKUM JAZZ TRIO
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2003
THE JAZZY JADE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2003
SPECIAL GUEST, DENNIS J.
Welcome to St. Luke’s New Members
These new members became a part of St. Luke’s on Easter: Heather Burns, Charles Howe, Clint Riley, Carmen Rottenberg, Paige Trevor, and Karen Westergaard. We give thanks for the blessing each one brings to the St. Luke’s community, and pray that St. Luke’s will be an encouraging presence in their lives.
May Birthdays
May 1 Kojo Otchere
May 14 Earl Williams
May 16 Kirsty Zulu
May 19 Sonia Peters
May 22 Betty Craig
May 27 Paula Akompong
Happy birthday to all!
Grate Patrol Offering on May 4th
Once a month we make and deliver 150 bag suppers for people living on the street. Please plan to stay after church on May 4th to help make the meals. Our next grate patrol night is Tuesday, May 6th. 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).
April’s grate patrol offering was $210.00
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., and followed by a study of the upcoming Sunday’s scripture text. Come for either or both. Please enter through the chapel doors that open into the garden.
Celebrating our John Wesley Heritage in May
The Tuesday evening study group has just completed a book on John Wesley (the 18th century founder of Methodism) and has suggested that we learn more about our Methodist heritage during the month of May, since we are having our anniversary celebration right in the middle of the month. So we’ll be learning and singing some of Charles Wesley’s hymns, praying some of John Wesley’s prayers, celebrating holy communion more frequently than we usually do, and hearing about the animating forces in John Wesley’s theology, which continue to inform and inspire the identity of the United Methodist Church.
Prayer joys and concerns . . .
For Marian’s friend Teresa, who has bone cancer and a new pacemaker.
Shirley shared the joy of the walk for breast cancer, and asked for prayers for those who struggle with breast cancer
For Kim’s friends Richard, undergoing chemotherapy, and Robbie, recovering from emergency surgery
For Cherise completing her second year at Georgetown, and for all our other students – Rosalyn at Montgomery College, Alicia, Matt, Mia, Melissa, Olivia, Sara, Michael, and Eileen at Catholic, Carmen in law school at AU, Adam at Georgetown’s school of foreign service, Emily at AU. ‘s school of public administration, Laura completing her library science program at University of California/San Jose, and Kevin at law school at UVA.; and for Curt and Leslye preparing for their board exams in clinical social work, and for Sara, preparing for her medical board exams.
For Missy and Riley as they prepare for their marriage
For Paula and Paul, awaiting the birth of their first child
Likando shared the joy of having attended a Jewish Seder during Passover, and also of turning 8.
The joy of our guests, friends, and visitors here for the first time.
For Eileen’s playing the piano while Michael is away
Dorothy Preston shared her joy in the day and the abundance of god’s love and being here in church
Derrick Wagner asked for continued prayers for Matt who is most likely in Iraq now
For Lt. Brian Bray, DC police officer assigned to this PSA, deployed to Iraq for a year of mine sweeping.
For Morris Holley, shelter head counselor, diagnosed with diabetes.
For our new members
Heather asked for continued prayers for Ramzy caring for and translating for Iraqi wounded on the USS Comfort.
For Earl’s cousin Stephen, stationed in Kuwait
For Lucille Dade, recovering from surgery
For Dorothy Pearson’s sister Eliza and for Dorothy.
For those who are working to prevent and protect the world against SARS, remembering that there are areas of the world and vulnerable populations that can be easily devastated by SARS.
For wisdom for the world’s leaders, that peace may prevail, and for the people of Iraq.
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 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.
Shelter Dinner Opportunity on May 18
On the third Sunday evening of each month, the Wednesday Night Group makes and shares dinner with the Shelter residents. If you would like to be a part of this enjoyable experience, contact Julie James at juliejamesemail@yahoo.com.
News From the Shelter
The Shelter’s Head Counselor, Morris Holley, is recuperating after having been diagnosed with type II adult onset diabetes. To send Morris a card, his address is 1704 Montello Ave., Washington, DC 20002.
The Shelter recently received a grant of $1,000 from the Workers of St. Albans (St. Albans Episcopal Church) for ongoing operational expenses.
The Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place invites you to… an interfaith service of celebration and thanksgiving for the 12 years of collaboration among congregations, neighbors and community institutions in the work of CCH/FP. St. Luke’s Shelter is one of several in Ward 3 that receives support from CCH/FP. The service will be held on Thursday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Columbia’s Episcopal Church, located at 4201 Albemarle St. N.W. A reception honoring Sister Mary Griffin, a longtime supporter of CCH/FP, will follow. Sister Mary will be leaving in June to work at Miracle Place, a Sisters of Providence community center in Taishan, Taiwan.
Sunday Scripture Readings for May
4 Luke 24: 36b-48
11 John 10: 11-18
18 John 15: 1-8
25 John 15: 9-17
The Easter season comprises seven weeks, including the Ascension on the seventh Sunday. The colors of the season are white and gold, and the Gospel themes reflect on the abiding presence of the Risen Christ in the life of the church.
News from our Church family …
Once again the 2003 Easter Egg hunt was a success! Thanks to each of you for all of the hard work, many generous gifts, and great support. Special thanks to Michael Kelly and Per Normark for their special talent. Your generosity, loving spirit, and kindness are what make it a special day for the children of St. Luke’s and our neighborhood community.
Many thanks,
Cynthia A. Price
DEAR ST. LUKE’S FAMILY,
WE ARE SLOWLY SETTLING IN HERE IN REDLANDS. WE HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE TO HAVE FAMILY IN TOWN WHO HAVE ASSISTED US IN A VARIETY OF WAYS. PAULA IS WORKING WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF REDLAND’S ARCHIVIST TO CATALOG THE UNIVERSITY’S HISTORY ONE ARTIFACT AT A TIME. OF COURSE HISTORY AND LIBRARIANSHIP ARE NOT HER CHOSEN FIELDS, BUT HER NATURAL TENDENCY TOWARD ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE LENDS WELL TO THE MONUMENTAL TASK OF PIECING TOGETHER THE RICH HERITAGE OF THIS INSTITUTION ONE PHOTOGRAPH, ONE DOCUMENT, ONE BLUE-PRINT AT A TIME. PAUL IS WORKING FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE ASSOCIATED WITH THE UNIVERSITY. HIS DAYS ARE SPENT CONTEMPLATING THE FATE OF THE DESERT TORTOISE, A FEDERALLY THREATENED SPECIES THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE MUST CONTEND WITH AS IT LOBBIES TO EXPAND ITS OPERATIONS AT FT. IRWIN, AN ARMY TRAINING CENTER THAT HAS PREPARED THE 3RD INFANTRY DIVISION, AMONG OTHERS, TO FIGHT IN THE DESERTS OF IRAQ. PAUL LOOKS FORWARD TO MEETING HIS IN-LAWS WHEN HE TRAVELS TO GHANA AT THE END OF APRIL, THIS TIME FOR THE SAKE OF AFRICAN ELEPHANTS RATHER THAN TORTOISES (A WELCOME CHANGE). WE BOTH LOOK FORWARD TO MOVING INTO OUR NEW HOUSE, A FIXER-UPPER THAT HAS KEPT US PREOCCUPIED DURING EVERY WAKING MOMENT OUTSIDE OF WORK. PERHAPS OUR DESIRE TO TURN THIS HOUSE INTO A HOME IS PARTLY EXPLAINED BY INSTINCT; OUR FIRST CHILD IS DUE THIS SUMMER! IN SUM, WE HAVE RESIGNED OURSELVES TO THE SAFETY AND PREDICTABILITY OF DOMESTIC LIFE FOR THE MOMENT BUT
ARE RESOLVED NOT TO GET TOO SETTLED DOWN. OUR FASCINATION WITH OTHER CULTURES AND OUR DEDICATION TO INTERNATIONAL ISSUES WILL ULTIMATELY DETERMINE OUR GEOGRAPHY AND LIFESTYLE.
[THIS JUST IN: PAULA HAS BEEN ACCEPTED INTO THE MBA PROGRAM AT REDLANDS AND BEGINS IN MAY.]
WE HOPE THIS NOTE FINDS YOU ALL IN GOOD HEALTH AND KEEPING UP WITH THE GOOD WORK AND HOSPITALITY THAT ATTRACTED US TO ST. LUKE’S THREE YEARS AGO. OUR NEW ADDRESS AS OF NEXT WEEK WILL BE: 520 W. FERN AVENUE, REDLANDS, CA, 92373.
YOURS,
PAULA AND PAUL
I am one year away from completing my Masters degree at Georgetown, and I continue to work at the US Grains Council, a trade association dealing with the export of US agricultural commodities.
Best,
Adam Briddell
Hmm, I think my report would be that life is going fine, except for these disturbing hallucinations about white rabbits the size of a full-grown man, wandering around the church grounds…
Clint Riley
We just returned from a three-day spa break at a resort in the Blue Ridge mountains in Virginia. We stayed at a wonderful (child-friendly!) place called Wintergreen Resort. Likando thoroughly enjoyed the “princess spa package” which is especially for girls under 12. The short vacation was a great way to celebrate Likando’s 8th birthday and we each appreciated the much-needed pampering we received.
I strongly recommend the resort to anyone who is interested in having a nice relaxed time away from home. If anyone would like more information, they can visit the resort’s website at www.wintergreenresort.com.
Sylvia & Likando
Congratulations to Michael Ruzicki, our musician, who is graduating from The Catholic University of America on date. Saturday, May 17th with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Digital Art with minors in Drama and Religion.
Cynthia Price Leaving St. Luke’s
We are very sorry to announce that our wonderful Church Administrator, Cynthia Price, will be returning to Atlanta in June. She will join her husband, Per Normark, who has accepted a position as Assistant Attorney General for the Environmental Law Division of the State of Georgia. We are sorry to say that Cynthia and Per have decided to take their son, Price, with them, too. The St. Luke’s community will miss them all very much.
We will plan a reception in appreciation of Cynthia for a coffee hour in early June … please stay tuned for the date!
Coffee Hour Hosts for May
1
8 Nancy Smyrnas
15
22
29
We need hosts! 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.