From Anne…
All Saints Day, which we will observe on Sunday November 2nd, is one of the great festivals of the Christian year. All Saints helps us understand the larger context for those who have died, whose loss we may still mourn. All Saints does not remove our grief, but it does help us transform it into a deeper awareness of God’s protection and care, which gathers us in without regard to the boundary that divides the living from the dead. In God’s love we are truly one great communion. What an amazing reality this is. If someone in your life has died, I hope you can be here this Sunday and bring with you a framed photograph of him or her. The pictures will be a part of the worship service.
All Saints Day is the beginning of a month of Thanksgiving for us. On November 16th, Pledge Sunday, we will offer our pledges for the work of St. Luke’s for the coming year. The time between now and then is a good time for reflection and prayer about what each one of us will pledge to St. Luke’s for 2004. Next week you’ll get a letter about pledging, with some additional information that I hope will be helpful as we each decide on the amount we will pledge for next year. The newly established endowment will be our financial base in the years to come, but its interest will not be enough to accomplish the vision we have claimed as our congregational challenge - to do that we will need every person’s financial support.
Of course there’s another reason we each need to make a financial commitment to St. Luke’s. It has to do with that verse you see over and over in the Gospels, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Intentional, sustained, disciplined giving can make us better people; it can stretch our spirits and our minds. Someone who visited Israel told me that the Sea of Galilee is alive because water flows into it and water flows out of it; but the Dead Sea is dead because water only flows into it -- nothing goes out. We who are so comfortable with acquiring need to practice giving away as well, making a flow of giving and receiving in our lives so that we will be more profoundly alive. Giving away what is “ours” deepens our humanity in a way that all the possessions in the world cannot accomplish. I think Jesus talks about this a few times, too.
Our Christian tradition challenges us to give of ourselves -- our talents and our time -- in service to others, but it doesn’t then let us off the hook about our money. Sometimes letting go of some of our money is the hardest thing for us to do, and so the most necessary. The amount is not as important as the practice of committing ourselves to doing this week after week or month after month. It really does come down to making thanksgiving a way of life.
November Schedule of Events
2 All Saints Observed
Holy Communion
Grate Patrol offering and meal making
Children’s choir meets after church
4 Grate Patrol 7-9 pm
5 Shelter Steering Committee 7:00 pm
7-8 Friendship Place Bazaar
12 Charge Conference 7-8:30 pm
16 Pledge Sunday
Opening of Exhibit of Paintings by Supti Sen
VIM-Cuba meeting
Our turn with Shelter dinner
20 Church council 7-9 pm
22 Help the Homeless Walkathon benefits
St. Luke’s Shelter/Next Step Kitchen
22 Georgetown University Gospel Choir
Concert at Gaston Hall, 5 pm
27-28 Thanksgiving, office closed
29 Preparation for Advent 5 pm
30 First Sunday in Advent
and coming up in December…
14 Christmas pageant
Grate Patrol Offering on November 2
Once a month we make and deliver 150 bag suppers for people living on the street. Please plan to stay after church on November 2nd to help make the meals. Our next Grate Patrol night is Tuesday, November 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). October’s Grate Patrol offering was $281.
Grate Patrol Meal-making Twice this Month!
This is one of those months… we’ll make Grate patrol meals on November 2nd and then again on November 30th, since our Grate Patrol night is always the first Tuesday of the month.
Good news for Grate Patrol…
It looks as if we will have an excess of about $500 in our Grate Patrol account, thanks to the generosity of all who have contributed this year. On November 2nd Leslye Wooley will give us some ideas about how that money can be used to help the Grate Patrol recipients in some additional way. Please be sure to stay to participate.
CCH/FP Thrift Sale Nov. 7-8
You may have donated clothing, books or furniture to the Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place for its Thrift Shop. Now come and see what you can replace those items with during the two-day sale on Nov. 7-8!
The thrift sale will be held from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, and 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Arabic Church of the Redeemer Presbyterian Church at 4420 River Rd. N.W.
All proceeds from the thrift sale will help CCH/FP provide services to the homeless in our community, including case management for the six clients of St. Luke's Shelter. CCH/FP also works with other congregations to support shelters and transitional housing for homeless men and women, and performs street outreach to the homeless.
The sale items include antiques and collectibles, kitchenware and children's books, in addition to the items mentioned above. If you're not looking to buy, you can still help out by volunteering during the sale. Please call 202-364-1419 to pitch in or for more information, visit http://www.cchfp.org.
--Derek Willis
Calling all Offering Counters: Training on November 9th
Rayna, our new bookkeeper, has put together a new counting system (complete with written instructions!). A training session will be held after church on November 9th in Anne’s office. If you are unable to attend, please contact Shalom at the church office.
Liturgist training November 9th
For all continuing and new worship leaders. If you would like to be a part of the worship leader rotation, please come to the liturgist training on November 9th after church. If you would like to become a worship leader but can’t attend this training, please let Anne know.
Charge Conference November 12th
Each year every United Methodist congregation holds a charge conference, at which our District Superintendent receives our annual reports and inquires into the state of the congregation. Our charge conference is Wednesday November 12th, 7:00-8:30 pm, in the Wesley Room. The church council members are expected to attend, and the charge conference is open to all members and friends of the congregation. Charge conference is an important element of our connectional denominational history and identity, in which every United Methodist congregation is a part of the larger unity of all United Methodist congregations. If you are curious about how St. Luke’s fits into the larger picture, one way to discover more is to come to the charge conference. This year we have a new District Superintendent, The Rev. David Argo. It would be great if we had a good turn-out to welcome David onto the District as our Superintendent.
*“Visions of India’s Villages: Paintings by Supti Sen” Opens Nov. 16*
The upcoming exhibit in the Narthex Gallery will feature the work of one of our own parishioners, Supti Sen. Supti was born in Calcutta, India. After completing a master’s in science, she taught herself how to paint. Supti has traveled to many places in India, including the villages of the Himalayan region, where she found inspiration for the landscapes that will be on display. To Supti, these scenes depict the true nature of India’s villages. Supti also is accomplished in embroidery, and one of her embroidered pieces will be on display. The opening of the exhibit will take place during a special coffee hour on Sunday, Nov. 16, following the church service.
--Susan Ciccotti
Volunteers in Mission: Cuba Trip
The first Cuba trip meeting was conducted on September 21st, and a follow up meeting held on October 26th. Meetings will be held monthly, every third Sunday of the month, after the main service. Please join us, even if you don't plan on traveling to Cuba. Everyone's input will be much appreciated, especially that we need all the help we can get in organizing the trip and raising funds for the cash donation that we will take to Cuba.
Task leaders have been appointed to coordinate the various activities. Please contact any one of the task leaders if you'd like to be involved in the trip preparations or if you have any suggestions for fundraising events or for the other activities.
Team Leaders Gregory Forrester and Sylvia Zulu
Fundraising Richard Pyle and Andrew Ohm
Travel Jeff Walters and Adam Briddell
Packing Sonia Peters Kassambara
Journalism/PR Andrea Banaysz
Site Coordinator Molly McCracken and Sandi Stroud
The next meeting is on November 16th. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting! --Sylvia Zulu
Shelter Dinner Opportunity November 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
Fannie Mae Help The Homeless Walkathon November 22
St. Luke’s Shelter/Next Step Kitchen will again participate in the Help the Homeless Walkathon. Register now to support the Kitchen by walking on the 22nd. Contact susan@nextstepkitchen.org for more information.
News from St. Luke’s Shelter
St. Luke's Shelter is once again focused on fundraising. We are establishing a "Shelter Development Taskforce" that will meet at the Church on November 17th, 7 pm, to discuss innovative ways to financially sustain the program. All are welcome to participate. We now have an updated brochure, thanks to long-time volunteer Susanne Wunner. We are also planning to expand the operation of the Shelter's "Clothes Closet" by offering this valuable resource of used men's clothing to other area shelters and programs for people in need. If you'd like to become involved, possibly a few hours on a Saturday, contact Shalom Mulkey, Church Administrator. The next Shelter Steering Committee meeting is on Wed., November 5th, 7 pm, in the Wesley Room. Once again, all are welcome. --June Kress
Georgetown University Gospel Choir Concert
The Georgetown University Gospel Choir will offer its fall concert on Sunday, November 23rd, at 5pm in Gaston Hall on the University campus. Cherise and Heather and the other members of the Gospel Choir who shared their music with us in October would love for us to come. If anyone wants to go but would like a ride, please call the church office or sign up in the Wesley Room.
Music Notes
October was a great month for the St. Luke's music program and November brings more new programs! On Saturday, October 25th the choir participated in a choir retreat that included discussions, food, fellowship and, of course, lots of singing. Look for future programs like this in the future.
New in November is the Children's Choir which will meet after church from 12:30-12:50 and will include children of all ages who wish to participate. The Children's Choir will be singing during worship and for the Christmas Pageant. Encourage your children to take advantage of this great opportunity!
–Deke Polifka
Research Project Kicks Off
The Rev. John Rottenberg's research project isn't just his; it involves all of us at St. Luke's. As you may know, John is studying our congregation as part of his Doctorate of Ministry degree requirements. As part of that effort, he has asked a group of church members to design and carry out a research project involving the people of St. Luke's - members and visitors alike.
Members of the current group - which is open to participation by anyone - have chosen to focus on bridging the gap between newcomers to St. Luke's and members who are actively involved in church life and activities and our long-time church members. In the coming weeks, members of the research group will be talking to other members of the congregation and visitors, and we encourage you to share your experiences and thoughts with us as we try to learn more about our congregation. In addition to helping John with his studies, we hope that St. Luke's will benefit from our research as well.
If you have questions about the project or are interested in participating, please contact Anne.
--Derek Willis
On the Horizon: St. Luke’s Guest House
A small group met with the architect at the end of October and I’m excited to report plans are in the works and we are moving steadily forward. It was exciting to see the initial sketches and take note that the space upstairs designated for the guest house is almost perfect as is and needs only minor renovations. With the building/structural changes on the horizon, now is a great time to start thinking about this new program.
The guest house will provide accommodations and service-learning opportunities to groups who wish to have a “different” experience of D.C.—something more than a quick tour around the monuments.
A group will meet on Wednesday, November 19th at 6:30 p.m. to begin brainstorming ideas for this exciting new program. If you would like to join us, please contact Shalom at shalom@saintlukesmethodist.org
--Shalom Mulkey
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.
Things are (going to be) heating up in the Kitchen...
The Next Step Kitchen is really starting to take shape. Now that we have selected an architect for the renovation, I am more excited than ever to get cooking! (pardon the pun) All jokes aside, the program is really beginning to materialize. During the past few months I have been meeting with service providers, people in the food service industry, other community kitchens, and foundations. These meetings have yielded potential referral sources, food donors, the class curriculum and program ideas, and last but not least, funding opportunities.
Right now we are focusing on fundraising through the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon (thank you to everyone who participated in the mini-walk on the 19th) and the Combined Federal Campaign through the Federal Government. We plan to have our first Next Step Kitchen training class in the Spring- and you know how fast the next few months will go, so that is just around the corner! In the meantime we still have a lot of work to do. If you are interested in hearing more or helping out contact Susan Keenan at 202.337.4275.
–Susan Keenan
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.
Adult Sunday School has started up again. We are studying the Gospel of Luke. Please join us. We meet at 9:45 in the Wesley Room.
Letters To Pastor Anne & the Congregation of St. Lukes'
Since arriving from Texas, Annette and I have been very happy to find such a wonderful place to worship. We feel at home with the St Luke’s community and have made numerous friends as a result of our attendance. This is also the first time in our marriage that we have been accepted “as we are” to a religious congregation with open arms and hearts. We can honestly say, together, that Anne is our pastor and Sunday worship is not a chore but something we look forward to every week. “Sunday” is not just another day to us anymore.
Of course, we are new to this neighborhood and new to being part of a church - yet, it feels like we finally arrived home from a long journey. However, having stated this, I must regretfully announce our journey continues . . . soon, Annette and our children (Clover, Doon and August Claes) will be moving back to Norway and I will be re-locating to Baghdad, Iraq for a while. Physically we will be on distant shores but spiritually we will always be part of St. Luke’s. God has truly touched our lives through your prayers and we are eternally grateful for having known each of you.
Peace, Rob Reece
November Birthdays
The current November list is missing. If your birthday is in November, please contact Shalom at the church office and let her know.
News from our church family
D.J., Beth and Conrad Sworobuk thank you for your prayers.
Kerry and Al Crosby
874 East Pleasant Street
Amherst, MA 01002
Michael Kelley
3628 Davis Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Kim Pyle
5279 Morning Mist Lane
Alexandria, VA 22312
H. (703) 212-4727
Craig Silliman and Kate Ransom-Silliman
Ransom and Gabriel Silliman
122 South Oak Street
Falls Church, VA 22046
H. (703) 538-2777
Jeff Walter
3247 38th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20016
H. (202) 285-2765
New church directories are available. Pick one up in the Wesley Room after church.
Joys and concerns
For the birth of Carmen’s nephew Nathan Joseph, and for the birth of Martin Gabriel, the second son of the family Penny worked for in London
For Beth and DJ, whose baby is due in early March
For Kim and Robbie, whose baby is due in January
For Ben Tyree and his mother
For Nancy’s friend Arlene with cancer
Andrew thanked the church for prayers while he prepared for the GMATS
For Andrew running the Marine Corps Marathon
For Sonia’s friend Anya laid off from her job, and for John and Nolene
For Cherise’s friend Effie
For Jen traveling to New Delhi and Singapore for work
For the Georgetown University Gospel Choir
Ransom asked for prayers for his father Craig, traveling to Australia and back
For Heather Burns and her family in a difficult time
Marian shared the joy of having her cousin here
For Dorothy Bowers recovering from surgery at home
For Earl William’s mother, at Sibley Hospital
For the people of the Middle East
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 Africa
For situations of danger and violence in the world
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, Jeanne Goss, Vernon Thomas, and Lucille Dade.
Yoga on Monday and Wednesday mornings at church. Contact Beth (bethsworobuk@aol.com) for more information.
Coffee Hour Hosts for November
2 Rob and Annette Reece
9 Leslye Wooley & Derek Willis
16 The Pyles—Richard, Betty, Kim
23 The Zulus
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 Joyce Wagner at joyce.f.wagner@att.net or 703-836-8064.
Scripture Texts for November
2 Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a?9 Mark 12: 38-44?16 Luke 12: 13-21?23 Matthew 6: 25-33
30 Luke 21: 25-36
Advent begins November 30th, not with the familiar story of the Nativity, but with cosmic signs and wonders, and the message to be alert. ?Advent marks the beginning of the new church year.
Missed Church on Sunday?
You can still keep up with the latest prayer concerns and church events by checking the church web site. 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.
Many October thanks to…
Sonia Peters-Kassamabara and Kaou Kassamabara* for their leadership for the lunch on October 19th….*Sarah Sanders* for organizing the Mini-walk on the 19th.… *Michael Veltri* and his students for leading us in aikido …*Earl Williams and the Second String Blue Grass Band* …*Cherise Williams* for bringing us the Georgetown University Gospel Choir …*Charles Howe, Mary Freeman and Penny Andrews* for going out with the Grate Patrol … and Charles for getting everything ready to go…*Adam Briddell* for doing the Grate Patrol shopping …*Rosalyn Zulu* for organizing the AIDS Walk this year …*Lucille Dade, Karen Cox, Sonia Peters and Kirsty Zulu* for their work on the lay leadership development committee …*Derek Willis* for creating a chat room for the group working with John Rottenberg’s project …*Curt Canada* for his leadership with the Wednesday night prayer group… *Craig Silliman for his ongoing work as Treasurer of the St. Luke’s Shelter… 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.