From Anne …
September has always brought a new “back-to-school” sort of energy to our life together, and this fall is no exception. We are beginning new directions in our Sunday morning children’s ministry, a new structure and a new board for St. Luke’s Shelter, a new approach to congregational leadership, and new ways of reaching out to the larger community.
The choir and the Tuesday evening group will begin again this month after a summer break. Beth will begin the yoga classes again and Wednesday evening prayer will continue under Curt’s leadership. September is a good opportunity to explore any of these ways of becoming more connected. There will also be an opportunity to make the more intentional connection with the church that comes by claiming a formal membership in St. Luke’s.
And nowadays there’s another, deeper dimension to September that comes from our collective experience in September 2001. The meaning of that experience will continue to unfold. But there was an initial recurring theme in conversation and prayer around St. Luke’s during those earliest days. I haven’t heard this theme articulated explicitly very often since then, but it had great power for people who struggled to frame it at the time: that within this terrible tragedy, God is calling us to reexamine our priorities both as individuals and as a culture. We learned in one day how easily loved ones could be lost, and what lessons of daily appreciation and gratitude were being offered through the experience.
We also received new insight into how as a culture our super-power status had made us arrogant and our consumer-driven economy had distorted our values. People said the experience was a wake-up call. We did not talk in those first, vulnerable days about the need to build Fortress America. Instead, we talked about the need to remain in that vulnerable place, our complacency shattered, able to see now with new eyes and hear with new ears.
This is where the church comes in. In the community of faith we can help each other to live in this post 9/11 place, even though we might rather close it up as quickly as possible and move on. In the community of faith we can continue to re-examine our priorities and our assumptions; we can help each other stay aware of how precious life is, and how fragile; we can let ourselves be touched and changed by the suffering of the world; we can remain open to the ways God is challenging us and re-making us.
September Calendar
5 Holy Communion
Grate Patrol offering & meal-making
6 Office closed for Labor Day
Shelter Labor Day Barbeque 4:00 pm
7 Grate Patrol meal delivery 7-9 pm
9 Jazz in the Garden 6:30-8:30 pm
12 Children’s ministry begins
15 Shelter newsletter mailing 7:00 pm
18 Glover Park Day 11-5
19 New member orientation after church
Our turn with Shelter dinner 6:45 pm
21 Tuesday night study group begins 7:30 pm
26 New members received
church council 12:45
…and coming up in October
World Communion Sunday October 3rd
First of classical concert series October 10th
Grate Patrol Offering September 5th
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, September 7th. 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).
August’s Grate Patrol offering was $272
*St. Luke’s Shelter Labor Day BBQ*
Come join us in the garden for an end of summer celebration on September 6th from 4-6pm. Come eat good food, enjoy great conversations and get to know the shelter staff, residents and volunteers. For more information, to rsvp, and to find out what to bring, contact Susan Keenan, Shelter Director, at susan@nextstepkitchen or 202-337-4275
September 9th – Jazz in the Garden
This is the final concert in the summer Jazz in the Garden series, with special guest Michelle Walker from 6:30 to 8:30 in the garden. Bring a picnic supper and something comfy to sit on. This is a part of St. Luke’s outreach to the community: it’s laid-back and it’s free. So bring your friends and enjoy the evening.
Many thanks to Curt Canada and his loyal troop, including Barbara, Stasia, and Charles, who are responsible for Jazz in the Garden.
Glover Park Day September 18th
Glover Park Day (rained out in June) is coming to a park near you! Come hear great music, taste great food, and check out great ways to get to know the neighbors. St. Luke’s Shelter will host a mini-walk at Glover Park Day as part of our participation in the 2004 Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon. If you can give some time to help organize the mini-walk that day (or ahead of time) please contact Susan Keenan, Shelter Director, susan@nextstepkitchen or 202-337-4275.
St. Luke’s will also have a presence at Glover Park Day, so be sure to stop by the St. Luke’s table to say hi. It’s all happening 11:00- 5:00 at Guy Mason Recreation Center (across the street from the church).
Shelter Dinner Opportunity September 19th
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 Member Orientation and Welcome in September
There will be an orientation after church on September 19th for those who intend to become members of St. Luke's. New members will be welcomed into the church the following Sunday, September 26th. If you have any questions, please talk to Anne.
The Purpose-Driven Life Begins September 21st
We will begin a study of Rick Warren's The Purpose - Driven Life on Tuesday evening, September 21st, meeting in Anne's office from 7:30-8:30. The group will meet weekly, and it's okay to not be able to attend every week. The book can be bought at most bookstores, since it's being used pretty widely right now. Come explore the book's perspective and find a circle of friends at St. Luke's.
Amy Catania will begin on September 12th as St. Luke’s new Children’s Ministry Leader. Amy graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelors of Music in Music Education and has been teaching music in Richmond for the past 6 years. She and her husband Ben recently moved to Silver Spring and they are living just a few miles from her brother, Deke.
Amy will be working closely with Anne, Deke, and Shalom to help create and implement our new children’s ministry. She brings many gifts to our new program and we are excited to welcome her to St. Luke’s. Please keep Amy and our children’s ministry in your prayers as we begin anew this September.
Also in the Church Office
Don’t be surprised if you hear a new voice on the phone when you call the church office. You’ll be talking with our new Administrative Assistant, Benjamin Byrd. Benjamin joins the staff on a part-time basis to help with all of the “behind the scenes” tasks that help make our church run so smoothly. He brings to St. Luke’s many years of experience working in both offices and churches. Along with his work with us he leads music at Christian Love Baptist Church and his own church, Church of the Lord’s Harvest. With the help of his best friend he is also starting a production company, Visions to Life. So, the next time you call the office or send us an email be sure to welcome Ben to St. Luke’s.
Children’s Ministry
St. Luke’s Sunday morning children’s ministry program starts September 12th. We begin this school year with a new direction and a renewed energy and focus. Combining the efforts of parents, staff, and the entire St. Luke’s community we will create a welcoming, safe, and challenging environment for children of all ages. This new ministry program seeks to better integrate the whole congregation, especially our children, into our Sunday worship services through music, movement, drama and art.
Under the leadership of Amy Catania (Deke’s sister), our new Children’s Ministry Leader, children will learn to recognize, understand and fully participate in the worship service and church community. By our children learning and leading service music, participating in baptisms and communion, creating art to share with the community, discovering inventive ways to share the gospel, and developing other engaging ways to be involved in the life of the church our entire St. Luke’s congregation will continue to grow together.
How will this work?
+ Children are encouraged to remain in the service until the Closing Hymn when they will process out as a group with Amy to go to a 25-30 minute session focused on building community and learning parts of the larger worship service. In these sessions the children will learn multiple ways to participate in worship. They will take these teachings and activities and apply them to future services. These sessions will overlap with the beginning of coffee hour. Deke Polifka our Director of Music Ministry will join Amy after the church service to help teach music.
+ There will be activity bags available in the Narthex for all children to use during the worship service. Children are invited to use the paper and crayons to draw during the service. They are welcome to take their pictures home or leave them in the box in the Narthex to be displayed for the entire congregation to enjoy.
+ All are invited to sit in our children friendly area at the front of the sanctuary. This area will be complete with rocking chairs for our new moms, extra pillows in the pews and a carpeted floor area.
Nursery and childcare will still be provided throughout the whole service for those children who choose not remain in the sanctuary.
This is an exciting time in the life of St. Luke’s and we are ready to try something a little different for our children and congregation. As we head in a new direction, with a new program, and new staff, let us all remember “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…” 1 Cor. 12:12-13.
--Shalom Mulkey
The music program at Saint Luke's has enjoyed a successful summer season with the well attended "Jazz in the Garden" concerts and the 1st annual Children's Music Camp. Some of the jazz concerts had to be cancelled or postponed due to inclement weather (i.e. buckets of rain) but folks from Glover Park and beyond came in droves to enjoy the wonderful company, atmosphere and, most importantly, great Jazz. Many thanks to Curt Canada, coordinator of this program, for his hard work in scheduling and promoting these talented artists! Look forward to another great season in 2005!
The first ever Summer Music Camp for St. Luke's was a big success too! We had nearly 30 children (mostly from outside our church) participating in the week of music, bible lessons and arts/crafts! The camp, held from 9am to noon each day of July 12-16, culminated with a Friday performance of By the Sea, a musical drama focusing on the teachings of Jesus near Capernaum. Thanks to Shalom, Anne, Beth Sworobuk, Victoria Cox and Joyce Polifka for their help with the camp!
Don’t forget: Choir starts up on Sept. 12th! Rehearsals are on Sunday morning starting at 9:30. If you are interested, don't hesitate to call me at the church at (202) 333-4949 or email me at deke@saintlukesmethodist.org.
--Deke Polifka, Director of Music Ministry
Staff Parish Relation Committee
The SPRC has recently developed and adopted a formal annual review process for staff job performance and for obtaining input from staff of their roles at St. Luke's. In the following months, SPRC members (Leslye Wooley, Penny Andrews, Marian Potter, Mary Day, Anne Yarbrough, and I) will be asking various members of the congregation for their assistance and participation in providing feedback of the staff person with whom they have worked throughout the year. We thank you in advance for your cooperation in this important effort.
On another note, we're pleased to announce that Shalom Mulkey has moved into a new role as Director of Administration and Programs. Her responsibilities include managing and coordinating St. Luke's growing outreach and educational programs, as well as some daily operations. Additionally, we're thrilled to welcome Benjamin Byrd as our Administrative Assistant. Please introduce yourself to Benjamin next time you're at St. Luke's.
Lastly, we'd like to remind the St. Luke's community that one of SPRC's role is to be a voice for the congregation. If you'd like to share your thoughts, suggestions or concerns about St. Luke's, please feel free to talk to any of the SPRC members.
Inne Kim
Help the Homeless Walkathon
I know most of you are still in summer vacation mode, but before we know it November 20th will be here. What is November 20th you ask? It’s the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon…but it is more than that. The Walkathon is an event that actually starts months before the actual walk downtown, and its impact will be felt for years by people who are served by homeless services agencies that participate. Of course, St. Luke’s Shelter- Next Step Kitchen is one of those agencies. We raised almost $15,000 last year through the walkathon and those events that take place in the months prior. Our goal this year is to raise $20,000- and we need your help to do it.
How can you help? There is a way for each of you to help no matter what your interest. You can walk. Register to walk in the main event on the Mall on 11/20 or participate in a mini-walk that benefits our program- ask your school or community group to contact us (if we get 250 or more walkers we could raise $5,000- there are registration forms in the Wesley Room). You could become a partner, join the Friends of St. Luke’s Shelter and contribute as little as $10.00. You could invite us to speak about homelessness at your school; we get incentives for doing presentations. There are other ways as well. If these ideas sound good to you or you have questions, please contact me at 337-4275.
By the way, the special speaker this year is Cal Ripken. If the Friends of St. Luke’s Shelter raises at least $1,500 to become a partner they will get free tickets to the breakfast with Cal on the morning of the Walkathon! Hope to see you all on November 20th!
Susan Keenan
New Directions for Congregational Leadership
After much thought and discussion over the summer, the Church Council has developed an innovative way for us to think about congregational leadership. We will continue to have the ongoing leadership roles through formal committee structures that work well and are so necessary for the life of the church: church council, staff-parish relations committee, renovation/trustees, Good Samaritan and finance.
In addition to these formal committees, the Council identified five core areas for 2005 around which adaptive committees will come together to define and accomplish specific goals for the year. The core areas for 2005 are: the new children’s ministry; the new guest house ministry; and supporting both new and ongoing aspects of our congregational spiritual life.
The Leadership Development Committee will be at work in September and October to identify and welcome participation in the work of the core areas. To find out more, talk to Sonia Kassambara, Shalom Mulkey, Jen Runyon, or Leslye Wooley.
Opening of the National Museum of the American Indian
National Museum of the American Indian (where Molly McCracken works) will be opening on the National Mall on September 21, 2004. The event will begin with the Native Nations Procession at 8:00 am until 12:00 noon. So far there are approximately 10,000 people planning to participate in the Procession, many will wear traditional attire. At 12:00 noon, the opening ceremony will take place on a stage in front of the new building. Then beginning at 1:00 pm the First Nations Festival will take place extending for six days. This festival, similar to Smithsonian's Folklife Festival will include storytelling, music and dance from around the hemisphere. Additional information about the events and timed entry passes into the building itself can be found at www.AmericanIndian.si.edu.
Coffee Hour Hosts for September
5 Jen Runyon
12
19
26
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.
Joyce’s Kitchen to Yours
PUMPKIN BARS
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
4 beaten eggs
1 16-ounce can pumpkin*
1 cup cooking oil
1 recipe Cream Cheese Frosting
*If using a 15-ounce can of pumpkin, add approximately one ounce of applesauce.
Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and cloves. Stir in the eggs, pumpkin, and oil till combined. Spread batter in an ungreased 13- x 9- x 2-inch glass baking pan.
Bake at 325 degrees F. for approximately 35 minutes or until golden brown on top and set in the center; a wooden toothpick inserted near the center should come out practically clean. (Toothpick may be slightly tacky.) . Cool for 2 hours on a wire rack. Spread with Cream Cheese Frosting; cut into bars. Store frosted bars in refrigerator. Makes 48 bars.
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
Beat together one 3-ounce package cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup butter or margarine, softened; and 1 teaspoon vanilla till light and fluffy. Gradually add 1 cup sifted powdered sugar, beating well. Gradually beat in 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 cups additional sifted powdered sugar to reach spreading consistency. Store in refrigerator. (Note: This recipe can be doubled to frost tops and sides of two 8- or 9-inch layer cakes.)
September Birthdays
3 Mark Wagner
4 Anne McAffee
10 Bob Craig
19 Betty Lawrence
23 Curt Canada
25 Cathy Early
27 Donnie Lyon
Joys & Concerns...
For Inne Kim’s friend Deborah on the death of her mother, Linda.
For Penny Andrews’ former employer who had melanomas removed from her face.
For Carmen Rottenberg, who is moving to Houston for the year to attend law school.
For the pastor and members of Farai’s home church who were involved in a car accident.
For all those who suffered loss due to hurricane Charlie.
For Clint Riley’s sister Megan’s recent success with work
The Sworobuks shared the joy of a great trip to visit family in Tennessee
For Richard Pyle’s recent good trip working with the Peace Corps in West Africa
Continued prayers for Jen
For the Pyle’s young friend Eric, who is moving toward death from cancer.
For Nancy Smyrnas
For the beauty of the day, and the blessing of living in Washington DC
For the Volunteers in Mission trip to Cuba
For Adam Briddell’s aunt diagnosed with cancer and for his cousin
For the flooding of towns in New Jersey
The joy of Cecilia Rossiter’s cello students playing during coffee hour
For Paige Trevor and her family on the death of her grandmother
Eliza Wharton asked for prayers as she travels home to New Orleans next week for a visit
Molly McCracken shared the joy that she and Vince Meehan are engaged
Marian Potter asked for prayers for Meg Markham, long-time supporter of St. Luke’s Shelter, on the unexpected death of her husband Allan
For Earl Williams’ cousin Eric, in Iraq
For Charlene, who is scheduled to have surgery in the next few weeks
For Jen Runyon, whose father died as the result of a car accident in early July, and for Jen’s family
For our military in Iraq and for the people of Iraq, and for our leaders that they may lead with wisdom
For the children and staff of Wings of Hope Orphanage, in Haiti.
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 and Lucille Dade.
Scripture Texts for September
5 Luke 14:15-24
12 Luke 15:1-10
19 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
26 Luke 16:19-31
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.