From Anne …
This year the Easter season seems to coincide remarkably with our congregation’s life. The first Easter season -- the one we read about in the Gospels -- was a time of joyful learning and growing as the disciples began to realize that God’s great power had in fact wrested new life out of death. During Easter, the disciples begin to internalize their Resurrection experience and move toward a recognition that the Risen Christ is truly among them as they become the church. For St. Luke’s, this Easter season is a time of living into the joy of new congregational life! We continue to experience new growth in ways that can be counted – in membership and attendance, and in our financial giving – and in ways that can’t be counted, as we grow through our shared experience in worship, at work caring for God’s world, and in fellowship together as we seek to create a community of faith in the city – not an easy task, but one this church has embraced with joy.
This year our leadership is growing not only in the numbers of people who have taken on leadership responsibilities, but also in the spirit with which new responsibilities have been taken on. For the first time in several years we now have functioning administrative committees (Staff-Parish Relations, Finance, Trustees, and Permanent Endowment) that have taken on crucial leadership roles. We also have a Renovation Committee working with Trustees and Church Council to care for the renovation.
In 2003 the Church Council spent most of the year helping the congregation create and embrace a vision to guide our priorities for renovation, for future staffing, and for ministry. Our congregational vision includes specific goals in three areas: worship & music, education, and outreach. In each of these ministry areas we have already made significant progress toward accomplishing those goals. Building up our leadership in these ministry areas will take time, and we need to be open to new ways to nurture leadership in these ministry areas for our particular situation, where a conventional committee structure may not always be what’s going to work best.
One innovation that is working well is the Coordinator role, in which a single person is tasked with the responsibility for pulling together a few people to accomplish a particular goal in the life of the church. We have wonderful, committed Coordinators for many of the ministries that are a part of our life together, including the AIDS Walk, Jazz in the Garden, Volunteers in Mission, Shelter Dinner, Grate Patrol, Wednesday Evening prayer, Yoga, Social Events, Senior Nurture & Care, the web site, and our connections with Georgetown Ministry center and Friendship Place. Other aspects of our ministry together (worship leaders, Narthex Gallery Exhibits, the classical concert series, Tuesday evening study group, coffee hour hosting, children’s and adult choirs, and summer music camp) are cared for by church staff members. Nearly all of these many aspects of our ministry have been born only in the past few years. This is a tremendous sign of the growth of leadership at St. Luke’s.
Our visioning process last year was a very exciting time for us. It came before we had completed the sale of the corner property, so that we would have a sense of direction and purpose once the sale had been accomplished. This year we are experiencing what I would describe as a quieter but no less meaningful time of learning what it means to be Easter people for this time and this place -- the community of faith we are called to be, with the particular blessing of all kinds of resources, talent and energy that is St. Luke’s.
May Calendar
2 Roots of Methodism begins 9:45 – 10:45
Holy Communion
Grate Patrol offering & meal-making
baby shower for Carrie & Bob
4 Grate Patrol 7-9 pm
5 Shelter Steering Committee 7pm
9 Spring Concert 2 pm
14 dinner group
16 new member orientation after church
Our turn with Shelter dinner 6:45 pm
20 Jazz in the Garden 6:30 pm
22 VIM Cuba community yard sale
23 Ascension Sunday
New Member Sunday
church council 1-3 pm
27–30 Annual Conference
30 Pentecost Sunday
And coming up in June…
5 Glover Park Day!
First Quarter Giving Report
Our congregational giving for the first quarter of 2004 (January-March) totaled $15,256. In addition, we contributed $1,404 in designated and special funds including our monthly Grate Patrol Offerings and the Special Sunday Offerings for denomination-wide ministries. This is a terrific level of giving for St. Luke’s! Just to compare, in 2001 our total congregational giving for the entire year was about $31,000.
Pledging and regular giving continue to increase as the size of our congregation and the commitment to our life together continues to grow. Annual pledge amounts range from $7,000 to $156, with most of our pledges falling in the $500 - $2,500 range.
If you have not yet pledged for the year 2004 and would like to do so, please contact Shalom Mulkey, Church Administrator (shalom@saintlukesmethodist.org or 202-333-4949). Pledges can now also be received through Electronic Transfer of Funds (EFT), a simple way to debit your bank account automatically.
Everyone who pledges or contributes regularly now receives a monthly statement of giving to help us each keep track of our individual giving. If you are receiving your monthly statement by mail but would prefer to receive it by email, or the other way around, please let Shalom know.
Grate Patrol Offering & Meal-Making May 2nd
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, May 4th. 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 $85.00
St. Luke’s Water Bottles on the Street
Leslye Wooley, Salvation Army’s Grate Patrol Director, sent out an urgent plea last month that congregations participating in Grate Patrol consider providing bottled water to meal recipients in light of the high levels of lead in the DC drinking water. St. Luke’s has cases of bottled water left from our anniversary party last year which will now be included each time we go out.
Final Spring Concert May 9th
The final performance in our Spring Concert Series will be a vocal recital featuring works of Schumann, Day, and Faure. The concert, at 2 p.m., will last about half an hour, and refreshments will be served afterwards in the narthex. The Spring Concert Series is free and a part of St. Luke’s community outreach, so be sure to bring a friend. You can also download the Spring Concert Series flyer at www.saintlukesmethodist.org to share with others.
May Sunday School Class on Methodism
An opportunity to get acquainted with our roots as United Methodists! Christine Day will lead an adult Sunday School class during the four Sundays in May on the roots and history of The United Methodist Church. We will explore the Church’s place in history, how Methodism was shaped by America and how it shaped America. We will also read some of John Wesley’s sermons to develop an understanding of our faith and theology.
Christine is a graduate of Drew Theological Seminary, currently serving as a chaplain at Georgetown University Hospital, and in the ordination process in the New York Conference of The United Methodist Church.
Class will be held from 9:45-10:45 on the Sundays in May.
Christine will also be our guest preacher on May 2.
Last Spring Baby Shower on May 2nd
All are invited to a shower for Carrie and Bob Kolasky after church on May 2nd. The shower will be in the Wesley Room during coffee hour (and Grate Patrol assembly line!) Please come be a part of Carrie and Bob’s anticipation and joy. For more information, contact baby shower czars Sonia Kassambara (kassambara.sonia@epa.gov or 301-779-6709) or Penny Andrews (202-338-3238).
Shelter Dinner Opportunity May 16th
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
Jazz in the Garden at St. Lukes
This 3rd annual outdoor concert series consist of newcomers' Dave Mosick and Ashley Meir teaming up to kickoff a blockbuster summer of seven "must see" jazz performances beginning on May 20th at 6:30 pm. Get there early because there's limited space. Stop by and pick up a "Jazz in the Garden” T-shirt. Admission is free. So start packing that picnic basket, call your friends, bring a blanket and lawn chairs.
By the way, "When was the last time you spent two hours in the garden?"
Curt Canada
Publicity Director
New Member Sunday May 23
Those who are thinking of joining St. Luke’s are invited to an orientation session and tour of the building after church on May 16. This is a good chance to meet others who are thinking of becoming an official part of St. Luke’s, and asking any questions you have. New members will be received during worship on the following Sunday, May 23rd.
Annual Conference May 27-30
Each year the Baltimore-Washington Conference meets in an extended session for worship and prayer, and to hear reports, vote on proposals, receive candidates for ordination, and make decisions and set the course for our life together as 700 congregations throughout Maryland, DC, and a tiny part of West Virginia. Conference will be held at the Renaissance Hotel across from the new Convention Center downtown, and observers are cordially invited to drop by. Our lay member to Annual Conference is Adam Briddell. He and Anne will be attending sessions from Thursday through Sunday.
The Rev. Reginald Cuffee to be Guest Preacher on May 30
The Rev. Reggie Cuffee has preached at St. Luke’s several times over the past few years. Everyone always says, “Please ask him to come again!” Reggie is ordained in the AME Church, and works with Child Protective Services.
VIM Cuba Update
Our trip to Cuba will be August 14th-29th. We will be working at the oldest Methodist church in Cuba, in Mantanza, on the northern coast, and living at the Methodist seminary there. Our trip leader will be Greg Forrester, VIM Coordinator for the Northeast Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church, who has led several VIM trips to Cuba in the past. There are still spaces for 3-4 people.
Upcoming fundraising events for the trip include a a community garage/yard sale on May 22nd, 10am-5pm, and a benefit concert and silent auction on June 19th. Monies raised will go with the group as a gift to the host church in Cuba. We also have a list of items we want to carry in and leave with the church. For further information, contact Sylvia Zulu at sylzulu@yahoo.com
Tuesday night study group. This small informal group offers spiritual focus and support. Meets 7:30-8:30 in Anne’s office (enter by the office door).
Wednesday evening prayer. A quiet time of sharing and prayer. Every Wednesday in the Chapel at 7:30 pm
Pandamania in our Midst!
Beth Sworobuk has been selected by the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities to be one of the 150 artists (out of 1500 who applied!) to paint a panda as part of the most recent DC urban art scene. Beth works on her panda along with other panda artists in the Waterside Mall near Arena Stage. The pandas will be let loose on DC this month, and will be on exhibit all around the city through September, before being auctioned off to provide funding for local arts groups. Hurray for Beth and her helper, Jamie!
Congratulations, Graduates!
Adam Briddell will receive an M.A. in International Security from The School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University this month.
Emily Dawson will receive an M.A. in Public Policy from American University. Emily will also be moving back home to Ft. Collins, Colorado, and on June 27th she and Cory Petersen will be married there. A busy time!
Deke Polifka receives an M.M. in Chamber Music/Accompanying from The School of Music at Catholic University.
Faith Lewis will receive her M.Div. from Wesley Theological Seminary.
And congratulations for another year well done!
Chris McKinney, Sarah Sanders, Heather Thomas and Cherise Williams at Georgetown ….Kirsty Zulu and Rosalyn Zulu at the University of Maryland …Alanna Penza at Syracuse … Carmen Rottenberg in law school at American University … Nikki Parker at American …. Cory Scott in the Business School at American… and Sylvia Zulu in the Business School at Maryland … what well-organized people you all are, to juggle so much!
More blessings …
Katie Arnold and John Travis were married on April 17th
Sophia Alexandra Rynes, daughter of Janelle and Joel, was baptized on April 18th
Heather Thomas has been elected President of the Georgetown University Gospel Choir for this next year. Congratulations, Heather!
Cherise needs Atlanta Connection
Congratulations to journalism major Cherise Williams, who will be working at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution this summer. If anyone knows of a connection that can help Cherise find a place to live in Atlanta, please let her know at cmw9@georgetown.edu. Thanks!
Music Notes
Our Summer Music Camp Brochures are out! Members of the St. Luke's Children's Choir are encouraged to attend and to bring friends. The brochures
include both comprehensive information about the camp and a registration form to fill out and send in. Don't miss out on this great opportunity. Ages 6-12
The Last St. Luke's Concert Series Spring Concert is coming up! On May 9th, Deke will accompany 3 singers from the D.C. area in a vocal recital including the works of Jim Day (Portland, Oregon), Faure and Schumann. The concert will begin at 2pm and last for approx. 30 min. Reception to follow.
Thinking of joining the adult choir? Don't hesitate-come to a 9:30 rehearsal on Sunday mornings!
Renovation Update…
Our architect, Kendall Dorman, met with the Trustees in April to review the long-term needs identified by the 2003 Reserve Study in light of renovation priorities. The intention is to care for the high-priority long-term rehabilitation needs of the building as renovation for better use and functionality goes forward. In coming weeks the architect and the contractor will be meeting again with the Renovation Committee to review our over-all priorities.
For the first time in recent history the church is preparing for an outside audit. We have engaged the firm of Gelman, Rosenberg and Freedman to examine the way we conduct the “business” of the church. The auditors will be on site the last week of May and will submit their completed report by the end of June. Many thanks to Rayna Luke, our bookkeeper, for working hard to get our finances organized.
Putting on a different hat…plans for the Guest House are under way. The guest house which will provide accommodations and service-learning opportunities to groups who seek to experience an alternative D.C. is scheduled to open in Spring 2005. Allen Hengst, Anne and I met with Mark Lancaster, the regional director for American Friends Service Committee and had a preliminary conversation about ways AFSC’s programs and ours may intersect. I also will be presenting a draft program proposal to the Outreach Committee early this month to jumpstart and help provide direction to our on-going conversations about the guest house. If you are interested in this exciting new ministry of St. Luke’s, please contact me at the church office, shalom@saintlukesmethodist.org.
News from Next Step Kitchen
Once again Next Step Kitchen has great news to report. Just in time to begin our Inaugural Class, the Kitchen was awarded a $75,000 grant from the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Obviously, this is a large grant that will help the program immensely. This money will go towards a great deal of the operating expenses that the program will incur including the cost of textbooks and other training supplies. –Susan Keenan
News from our church family …
I’ll be in Singapore for work 22-30 April. We are hosting a conference but I hope to find time to go on the night safari at the zoo. –Jen Runyon
Work has been going really well. I have been spending about 4-5 days every week traveling to the West Coast. I love the travel and my new position but miss spending time with St. Luke's on a consistent basis and miss everyone from church.—Andrew Ohm
From Joyce’s Kitchen to Yours
Have you thought about hosting coffee hour, but you’re not sure what to make? For the next five months we’ll be featuring recipes from Joyce Wagner. This month Peanut Blossoms, next month So-Easy Sugar Cookies. They are pretty easy to follow and so delicious!
PEANUT BLOSSOMS
Ingredients:
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
Sugar
About 48 milk chocolate candy kisses
Directions:
Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, blend flour, _ cup sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, butter, peanut butter, milk, vanilla, and egg at low speed until stiff dough forms. Shape into 1-inch balls; roll in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake at 375°F. for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately top each cookie with a candy kiss, pressing down firmly so cookie cracks around edge; remove from cookie sheets.
Yield: 48 servings (1 cookie per serving)
Letters …
[ As a part of our congregational vision, we committed ourselves to financial support for three community organizations whose ministry goals we share. Each of these organizations will receive $1,000 from St. Luke’s in 2004. Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place is one of these.]
Dear Reverend Yarbrough,
On behalf of the Board, staff, and clients of Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place, I wish to thank the members of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church for your pledge … Our long-standing partnership with St. Luke’s Shelter, as well as with the congregation, has resulted in many successes with our homeless neighbors.
I would also like to introduce myself. I am the New Executive Director at CCH/FP. I have previously worked as a case manager for House of Ruth and Families Forward (formerly Consortium for Services to Homeless Families). Most recently, I served as the Executive Director at Community Crisis Services for 5 years.
With sincerity, I would like to thank St. Luke’s United Methodist Church for being such an important part of our organization. Your commitment and support are greatly appreciated. I truly look forward to meeting you and your members.
Sincerely,
Andrea Morris
Executive Director
CCHP/FP
May Birthdays
1 Kojo Otchere
14 Earl Williams
16 Kirsty Zulu
19 Sonia Peters
22 Betty Craig
27 Paula Akompong
28 Penny Andrews
Happy birthday to all!
Directory Updates
Kate Scheeler and Mark Childress
2220 38th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-625-7022
markchildress@comcast.net
katherine.scheeler@schwab.com
Joys and concerns
For Likando on her birthday
The joy of Sophie’s extended family who are here for her baptism
For Martha Wagner in her move to Asbury Village
For Dorothy Bowers’ continued recovery
For Sonia’s friend Natasha moving to Barbados
For the Volunteers in Mission Cuba trip in August
For Don Scroggin’s colleague Davidson, whose son was shot and killed
For the military in Iraq, and for those who have lost loved ones there
The joy of DJ’s mother visiting
Cherise shared the joys of turning 21, of the Georgetown University Gospel Choir’s Spring Concert, and of a summer position at the Atlanta Constitution; and asked for prayers on the death of her grandmother
For peace in Israel, and for civilians in Iraq
The joy that Next Step Kitchen has received a grant for $75,000 from the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church
For Susan Keenan, Director of Next Step Kitchen, whose mother suffered a mild stroke last week
For Katie and John Travis, members of the St. Luke’s community who were married on April 17th
For all in Iraq, and for guidance for the leaders of this country and of the world, that there may be peace
For Curt’s friend Ben, in hospice care
For the Pyles’ friend Eric with cancer
For the children and staff of Wings of Hope Orphanage, in Haiti.
For Carrie and Bob, whose baby is due in May
For the community of St. Luke’s Shelter.
For those living with HIV/AIDS
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.
Scripture Texts for May
2 Psalm 23, John 10:22-30
9 Psalm 148, Acts 11-18
16 Psalm 67, Revelation 22: 1-5
23 Psalm 47, Luke 24: 44-53
30 Psalm 104: 24-34, John 14: 8-17, 25-27
Coffee Hour Hosts for May
2 Nancy Smyrnas
9 Inne Kim
16 Karen Westergaard
23
30
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 Nancy Smrynas at 202-965-0084.
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.
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. And thanks to Derek Willis the site is always up to date and easy to navigate.