St. John’s Way A monthly publication of Saint John's Episcopal Church ~ Ft. Washington, MD Volume 22, No. 11 November 2014 Homecoming Celebration You Can Always Come Home! 2014 Veterans Day - Honoring All Who Served St. John’s Episcopal Church – Broad Creek, “the Mother Church of the Diocese, established in 1692, salutes military members and families in: by Royce Daniels St. John's Homecoming Service and Celebration was held on Sunday, October 12th and many friends we had not seen in a while were in attendance. Rev. Rorke preached to a capacity sanctuary. and the "Homecoming" spirit filled the church and the hearts of those in attendance. A reception followed in Bayne Hall, with a menu that included salads, sandwiches, wing dings and many desserts. Karen Chapman made a cake in the image of the church that was delicious. We had a presentation from Peter Ulrich on some of St. Johns history. Everyone who attended had a great time renewing old friendships and starting new ones. Our Senior Warden, Don Horton welcomed everyone to our first homecoming celebration and Rev. Rorke offered remarks. As Chairman of the Homecoming committee I thanked the committee, Birgit Brevard, Faith Chisholm, Pam Ritter, Paul Hall, Adam Graham, Karen Chapman, Karen Herbert, Kathy Mierke, with special thanks to Peter Ulrich for serving as MC. It was hopefully, the beginning of a wonderful tradition. I would also like to thank all the men who made sure all of the tables and chairs were put away. Additional pictures can be viewed on page 6. James Wetmore Titus 1922-2014 On October 4, a warm and sunny early autumn day, Jim Titus was laid to rest next to his beloved Gwen in the graveyard of the parish he served for 57 years, St. John’s, Broad Creek. The traditional Rite One burial service of his choosing began with the choir singing a prelude, one of Jim’s favorite anthems, “Brother James Air”. The service hymns selected by Jim in advance included two composed by Sir Arthur Sullivan whose operettas, written with librettist Sir William Gilbert, were a lifelong source of joy for both Jim and Gwen. Eulogies were given by Jim’s elder son and by Peter Ulrich, who took the opportunity to relate how much we are in debt to Jim for all he did here. A reception in Bayne Hall included an opportunity for many of Jim’s family and friends to reminisce and tell stories both funny and inspirational. Jim came to St. John’s in 1957 at a turning point in its long history. For many years, the parish had been combined with St. Barnabas. Temple Hills, sharing their rector. Shortly after Jim’s arrival, St. John’s welcomed Fr. Jack Harris as full-time rector and thus began a new era that included, in the mid-1960’s, the building of our current parish hall with its educational Continued on page 4 •our congregation; •the Episcopal Diocese of Washington; •our Prince George’s County community; •the State of Maryland; •Our Country; and throughout the world. Thank you for protecting our freedom. God Bless You! Jean Parker O n Saturday, October 25 the Episcopal Diocese of Washington Regional Assembly for Region 6 was held at St Paul’s Church, Piney Parish in Waldorf, Maryland. The meeting began with introduction by Anne Ridenour, Region 6 Convener, and with Bishop Mariann Budde, Ann by Charles Day Talty, secretary, Paul Cooney, Canon to the Ordinary/COO and Gary Correll, CFO attending. EDOW Regional 6 Assembly An opening sing, morning prayer and an address by Bishop Budde was first order of business. Tw o w o r k shops were held late morning and afternoon for “teaching new music to a congregation” and “balancing new music with traditional music” for church congregations. Regional nominations for the Diocesan Continued on page 3 St. 8, John’s Fair • Nov 7PM - Craft Colonial Sermon PresenSaturday, November 2014 tation-Broad Creek Historic15, District 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. • Nov 11 - Veterans Day, Office Closed Contact Susan Petroff for details. • Nov 15 - 2nd Annual Craft Fair • Nov 23 - Stewardship In-Gathering • Nov 27 - Thanksgiving, Office Closed • Nov 28 - Office Closed • Nov 30 - 1st Sunday of Advent • Nov 2, 9, 16 - Make your Pie Orders - Just in time for Thanksgiving - See inside -> Happy Birthday November St. John's Vestry Members Tolulope Akintoba Sylvia Vlake Faith Chisholm Alain DeVergie Barbara Drake Dorothy Foggie Jennifer Golson A.J. Gonzalez Jamil Neil Edith Pulscak Heather Puzon David Rurner Ruth Anne Cumberland Special Thanks to Gayle Lacy for mailing out the birthday cards each month. Let’s Hear From You!!! The deadline for the December issue of St. John’s Way is Thursday, December 4, 2014. Submissions can be left in the newsletter box in the church office ‑ either hard copy or on CD, mailed, or faxed to the church at 301‑248‑7838. So let’s hear from you. Your letters to the editor/ideas/articles/comments/ information/questions can also be emailed to Karl Boykin at [email protected]. A PRAYER FOR ST. JOHN’S Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for St. John’s, Broad Creek. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, restore the penitent, draw the seekers, and increase our numbers. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your Holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen St. John’s Episcopal Church Broad Creek WANTED Empty, Rinsed Aluminum Cans & Copper, Brass, Aluminum, Lead, Insulated Wire, and Steel Kathy Mierke collects aluminum cans, copper, brass, lead, insulated wire, and exchanges them for money for St. Johns. Please place your items outside the kitchen door or inside the trash can by the kitchen. If you have a lot or want to have them picked-up, call Kathy at 301-292-3624. Remember St. Johns needs the money. Recycle for St. Johns. St. John’s Way is published monthly for members and friends of St. John’s Episcopal Church ‑ Broad Creek Vision Statement To know Christ and to make him known. To be a grow‑ ing and vibrant multiracial Christian community, living our baptismal promises in an integrated, responsive, and stable life in Christ in the Anglican Tradition. Mission Statement To know Christ and to make him known by growing the St. John’s Community through excellent: worship, par‑ ticularly music and preaching; Christian Formation, adult, youth, and child; and community action, internal and external. 2 Don Horton, Senior Warden Derek Vereen, Junior Warden Jean Anderson-Jones, Secretary Jean Parker Michael Lacy Jeanne Ulrich Royce Daniels Edith Pulscak Karen Chapman Ruth Anne Cumberland Karen Herbert Pam Ritter Bea James - Treasurer Carol Thomas & Rudy Brevard - Pledge Clerks 9801 Livingston Road Fort Washington, MD 20744 Phone: 301‑248-4290 Fax: 301‑248‑7838 Interim Rector: The Rev. Stephen E. Rorke. Minister of Music: Adam Scott Graham Office Staff: Jean Anderson-Jones Office Hours: Monday‑ Friday 10:00am ‑ 4:00pm Newsletter Editor: Karl R. Boykin Newsletter Team: Jean Parker, Pam Ritter, Peter Ulrich, Adam Scott Graham, Jean Anderson-Jones Articles, comments, letters to the editor and suggestions can be submitted to the Church Office or emailed to http://www.stjohnsbroadcreek.org/ [email protected] St. John's Way - November 2014 From the Pulpit Rev. Steve Rorke Fall is my favorite season in the Washington DC area. The leaves stay in place until midNovember, the weather is warm, and the days clear. Long walks in the warm afternoon are a real treat. And the summer heat and humidity are long gone. Here at St. John’s fall this year has brought a new season in the life of the St. John’s parish. September 1st marked the beginning of St. John’s Interim season. With the retirement of the previous rector and my arrival as Interim Rector, the parish has embarked on a season of renewal. The parish is preparing for new life with a new Rector and the opportunity for change and growth. The Interim season is a time to ponder what can be and what should be. I like to compare the Interim season to the season of Advent in our liturgical year. The Interim season is a time of preparation and expectation. It is a time to clear out the ideas and attitudes of the past and to allow the presence of the Holy Prayer Brings YOU Closer To GOD! Please join our Interim Rector on December 4th and 11th in the Church for an exploration of Christian prayer. The sessions will begin at 7PM and conclude by 8. You will explore the history of Christian prayer since the time of Jesus. And some concrete prayer exercises for deepening our prayer lives. All are welcome! "Jesus, I need you. I repent for the life I've lived apart from you. Thank you for dying on the cross to take the pealty for my sins. I believe you are God's Son and I now receive you as my Lord and Savior. I commit my life to follow you." Say this prayer every day to recommit yourself to the Lord. PRAYER CORNER with Royce we will have the will. Many times I have wrestled with the devil to cast him out of my life, and I keep praying this prayer to ward the devil off. We all have demons in our lives and we must continue to have faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen The world now has the means to end extreme poverty, we pray Please Pray for; Mary Cook, Jean Gunter, George Jones, Neil Puzon, Crystal Ritter, Jeanne Rorke, LaDeborah Boozer, Jane Bowman, Claudia & Claudette Brooks, the Brotheiton family, the Bullard Family, Randy & Edie Burgess, Anika Campbell, Tony Carter, Barbara Drake, Marian Ford, Charles & Rachaad Gunter, James Golson, Granville E. Hall, Jr., Ed Harris, JoAnn Howdershell, Ann Hozel, Doris Johnson, Bob Jones, the Junek family, Verna Kraft, Alexis McCann, the Mierke family, Alfonso Narvaez, Sr., Nancy Paleyan, Jessica Puzon, John Russel, Sally & Marie Temple, the Uniake family, Christopher Wasson, Jean Winters St. John's Way - November 2014 Spirit to guide our thoughts and actions into the future. It is a time for discernment. There is a lot to accomplish during St. John’s Interim season. The liturgical and pastoral needs of the parish must be met. We will conduct a stewardship campaign starting in November. The Vestry is working hard to organize the parish’s Commissions. Special events are being planned and implemented. The parish’s website is being refined with guidance from the Washington Diocese. And new members are arriving at the parish’s doors. Soon a Search Committee will be organized to start the process of selecting a new Rector. St. John’s is a productive and vibrant Episcopal Parish. There is much work to be done during this Interim season. And there are many dedicated and excited parish members ready and willing to move the parish ahead into a next phase of the parish’s long and historic existence. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For he hath visited and redeemed his people; And hath raised up a mighty salvation for us In the house of his servant David, As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, Which have been since the world began. EDOW Continued from page 1 Council and other positions were made for Region 6 plus a detailed review of the 2015 EDOW draft budget by Gary Correll. The two workshops on teaching music to congregations were led by facilitators Bill Roberts and Ellen Johnson from the Center for Liturgy and Music, Virginia Seminary. With only one third of a church’s congregation believed to participate in singing, it was recommended that a mixture of old and new songs, alternating parts for choir and congregation singing, preparing congregations to sing, and alignment of hymns and music to support scripture and sermon messages are options to raise participation in services. The hymnal is a form of written scriptures and church doctrine. During the business session Bishop Mariann explained that a fourth of EDOW congregations are going through change. She explained the priorities and goals of connecting spirituality to everyday life, growing the Christian community and striving for justice. The Diocese’s focus along with parishes must be on how to turn congregations around bringing them alive and how to use God as the subject of sentences! The Bishop concluded her visit with answering a question on how the Diocesan pledges are used and the need for active participation of all in the work of the church. Finally, the 120th annual Diocesan Convention for EDOW was announced and will be held on January 30 - 31, 2015 again at Reid Temple, AME Church, Glenn Dale, Maryland. The theme of the Convention will be “Engaging a Changing world with an Enduring Faith in Jesus Christ by Growing Christian Community, Connecting Spirituality to Everyday Life and Striving for Jjustice.” The Rt. Rev. Robert Wright, Bishop of Atlanta, will give the keynote address. Happy Thanksgiving http://www.stjohnsbroadcreek.org/ from The Vestry, Interim Rector, and St. John's Way Staff 3 One Day Bishops Blog The Rt. Rev. Mariann Budde Teach us to number our days, so we might set our hearts to wisdom. Psalm 90:12 - Here is a simple spiritual exercise: Sit with pen and paper (or at a computer screen if you prefer) and reflect on the last 24 hours of your life. Review all that happened in your mind, but only write about how you experienced your life from the inside. What were you thinking as you went through your day? How did you feel? For what you are most grateful? And least? In some religious circles, this practice is known as the examen, from the French word meaning “review.” As a form of prayer, it begins with an implicit or explicit request that God reveal something of grace or direction as we examine the cares and occupations of our lives. It allows us to savor bits of goodness, acknowledge pain or anxiety, take stock of our capacity for presence, and ponder the amazing fact that we exist at all. There’s no need to judge or fix anything--simply to notice. It can a particularly helpful practice reflection in those seasons when days blur together and we catch ourselves thinking in terms of getting through the day, rather savoring the gift of each one. In a sweet book about the examen entitled Sleeping with Bread: Holding What Gives You Life, authors Dennis, Matthew, and Sheila Linn suggest that one way to discern the will of God is to track over time those things for which we are most grateful. On the assumption that God’s desire is for our joy, we go searching for it. When the path forward isn’t clear or when you feel in limbo or a bit stuck, try asking yourself each day for several weeks, “Where do I feel most alive?” The greatest insights are typically revealed over time, as you trace the arc of your energy and sense of connection to what matters most. There is also direction to be found in those things for which we are not grateful, the places of loneliness, anxiety or pain. Again, the goal in prayer isn’t to fix anything, at least not at first, but to A Moment Calendar of Events - St. John’s Women’s Group Women of Wonder (W.O.W.) Nov. 20 (Thursday) - Lunch Brunch Casey Jones Restaurant, 417 Charles St, La Plata MD 20646 Website for menu: http://casey-jones.com/ For more information look for an announcement in the Sunday Bulletin or call the Church Office at (301) 248-4290. Dec. 5 (Friday) - Holiday Outing The Royal Tea Room 110 East Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646 **Reservations required** For reservations or more information: Contact WOW Co-chairs Pam Ritter or Jean Anderson-Jones Jan. 12 (Monday) - WOW Monthly Meeting 7:00 p.m., St. John's Church, Addison Room in Education Building For more information about the meeting or dinner at 5:00 p.m. at Charlie’s Restaurant call the Church Office at (301) 248-4290. 4 gain an appreciation of the terrain and to stay connected even in discomfort. In the early morning and evenings, I listen to the news. Some days I have to will myself not to disconnect. For all its pain, I want to stay present to what’s happening in our world, and ask how God would have me respond. It can be overwhelming, but sometimes I actually feel God break my heart and increase my capacity for caring. This spiritual practice is easily done around a dinner table or in community. Children are great at this, and it’s a great bedtime ritual as well. In a way, it’s simply taking seriously what we often ask each other, “How was your day?” May we give thanks for all that is good, offer to God the burdens we carry, and (think Bruce Springsteen now) at the end of every hard earned day still find some reason to believe. Local History Program A Church Among the Indians Colonial Sermon & Spiritual message of the Piscataway Indian Tribe will be enacted by: a National Park Service Historian, The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington's historian, and the National Spokesman of the Piscataway Conoy at Colonial St. John's Broad Creek Episcopal Church on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 7pm. Presented by the Broad Creek Historic District of Ft. Washington. The event is free - refreshments. For information call 301-292-6130. Titus Continued from page 1 wing and offices and the rectory. Jim was an active and productive parishioner in a period of rapid growth. His contributions are legion: Sr. Warden, Jr. Warden (several times), vestryman (many times), graveyard chairman, historian and archaeologist, and choir member. He was a bassoonist and played with the brass choir at Easter services. Jim established and carried out a tradition of cutting and installing a cedar Christmas tree in the church each year during the greening. He was a faithful attendee at and contributor to Bible study classes over the years. Jim witnessed profound changes at St. John’s. As families and rectors came and departed, Jim and Gwen were a constant presence, actively carrying on and keeping alive the parish traditions, while, at the same time, welcoming and accepting change. We are blessed with the fruits of their labors and are consoled by our fond memories of their lives among us. They are gone, but not forgotten. by Peter Ulrich St. John’s 2nd Annual Craft Fair November 15, 2014 _ 9:30am - 3:30pm • Crafters from Southern Maryland featuring hand-made jewelry, paper holiday-themed gifts, scarves, sweaters and purses, handcrafted wooden items and much, more •Vendors of products, like Celebrating Home, Tastefully Simple and Scents •Children Craft Activities Hub •Bake Sale •Art Exhibit by Peter Ulrich •St. John’s own crafts made by some of our own parishioners •Grilled Bratwurst & Hot Cider & Other Goodies • Over 20 door prizes Admission is a non-perishable item for the Ft. Washington Food Pantry OR … $2 for Adults. http://www.stjohnsbroadcreek.org/ St. John's Way - November 2014 A Community tradition….….. Start the holiday season with a classical music experience! THE FORT WASHINGTON COMMUNITY CHORUS Directed by Barry Hemphill Handel's Messiah SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7th ~ 4:00 P.M. Seating begins at 3:30 p.m. ~ No reservations required ADMISSION: NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS FOR THE OXON HILL FOOD PANTRY & THE FORT WASHINGTON FOOD PANTRY CASH DONATIONS ALSO ACCEPTED PROVIDENCE – FORT WASHINGTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 10610 Old Fort Road, Fort Washington, Maryland 20744 To join and for additional information call (301) 248-4290 COME AND BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS Sponsored by: Ruth Gregory Soper Memorial Fund, Prince George’s Arts Council (PGAC), Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), St. John’s Episcopal Church, MNCPPC, Provident Fort Washington United Methodist Church Thanksgiving Pies Order your (Yum) on November 2, 9 & 16 with delivery on November 23. Forms will be available at all services. Pies must be ordered in advance, no sales on November 23, just deliveies/ pickups. • Coconut Custard • Apple Caramel Walnut • Apple (sugar free) • Cherry • Peach • + NAME YOUR OWN! St. John's Way - November 2014 http://www.stjohnsbroadcreek.org/ 5 St. John's Homecoming Celebration Sunday, October 12, 2014 6 http://www.stjohnsbroadcreek.org/ St. John's Way - November 2014 American Indian Heritage Proclaimed “Native Pride and Spirit: Yesterday, Today and Forever” is this year’s theme as we honor “The First Americans.” The Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE) developed this year’s observance theme. According to the Library of Congress website about the observance, “National American Indian Heritage Month celebrates and recognizes the accomplishments of the people who were the original inhabitants, explorers and settlers of the United States.” Using the timeline words to parallel the development of our national observance, the “yesterday” of this special occasion started when the State Poster image source: www.deomi.org of New observed the first American Indian Day in May 1916. Today’s title started in November 1990, when the observance became “National American Indian Heritage Month,” pursuant to House Joint Resolution 577 (Public Law 101-343). The “forever” of the celebration comes from the language of Congressional Joint Resolution 172 (Public Law 102-123) authorizing the President to proclaim the month of November 1991, as “American Indian Heritage Month. Minus the word “National” compared to previous titles for the month observance, the Law includes the words “. . . and the month of each November hereafter . . .” Presidents of the United The New and Improved St. John's Directory The latest issue of our church directory will be available this month for pick up in the church and Bayne Hall. If you have any updates contact Jean AndersonJones or Jean Parker. If you need a picture taken...or a new one, contact Karl Boykin. St. John's Way - November 2014 States consistently call upon all Americans to commemorate the observance in November with appropriate programs and activities. While proclamations do not set a national theme for the observance, they allow agencies and organizations to develop their own theme. In the month when we also honor our veterans, it is appropriate to highlight the work of a military affiliated organization, the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI), which uses the SAIGE theme in their poster featured with this article. For more information about the 2014 Presidential Proclamation, history of the observance and related programs and activities visit the following web sites: www.whitehouse.gov; http://nativeamericanheritagemonth. gov/; the Society of American Indian Government Employees web site at http://saige.org/; and the National Museum of the American Indian at http://nmai.si.edu/visit/washington Tuesdays 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. September 2, 2014 to June 9, 2015 The St. John’s Vestry Invites Parents or Guardians to bring their children in Grades 1 to 8 To receive FREE after school tutoring advice and homework help. Being a member of St. John’s Church is not required. The Episcopal Diocese of Washington has certified our Homework Helpers as successfully completing the “Safeguarding God’s Children” mandatory training. For registration and more information contact: Ruth LaBelle, Program Director at 240-461-5330 or St. Johns [email protected] Homework Helpers in St. John's Bayne Hall Accessible entrance is located on the parking lot side of the building http://www.stjohnsbroadcreek.org/ 7 8 http://www.stjohnsbroadcreek.org/ St. John's Way - November 2014 St. John's Way - November 2014 http://www.stjohnsbroadcreek.org/ 9 2 Sunday 21st Sunday after Pentecost 8:00am HE I 10:30am HE II 9 22nd Sunday after Pentecost 8:00am HE I 10:30am HE II 16 23rd Sunday after Pentecost 8:am HE 1 10:30am HE II 7pm Evensong 23 3 Monday 4 Tuesday 7pm Homework Helpers 10 11 VETERANS DAY OFFICE CLOSED 7pm Homework Helpers 17 18 7pm Homework Helpers 24 25 Last Sunday after Pentecost 8:00am HE I 10:30am HE II Stewardship In-gathering 7pm Homework Helpers 1st Sunday of Advent 8:00am HE I 10:30am HE II 7pm Homework Helpers 30 Wednesday 5 7pm Choir 6 Thursday Rehearsal 12 13 14 20 21 26 27 28 Rehearsal THANKSGIVING DAY 7pm Choir Rehearsal 19 7pm Choir 7pm Vestry Meeting Rehearsal 7pm Choir OFFICE CLOSED 1 December 2 7 3 7pm Choir Rehearsal Friday 8 Saturday 9:30-12 Food Pantry 10am FW Chorus 7pm Colonial Sermons 7:30pm AA 15 2nd Annual Craft Fair 9:30-12 Food Pantry 10am FW Chorus 7:30pm AA 22 9:30-12 Food Pantry 10am FW Chorus 7:30pm AA 29 9:30-12 Food Pantry OFFICE CLOSED CLOSED 7:30pm AA November St. John’s Episcopal Church 9801 Livingston Road Fort Washington, MD 20744 Happy Thanksgiving 10 Photo: Charles Day First Class Mail http://www.stjohnsbroadcreek.org/ St. John's Way - November 2014
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