________________________________________VOLUME 38 NUMBER 6__

“Whistle while you Work”

By Pastor Renata Eustis

Our daughter May seems to constantly be singing to herself. So at home, I’m used to hearing that special kind of music that’s not affected by knowing you have an audience. There’s a freedom in that kind of music that’s made solely for the enjoyment of making music.

Every once in a while I hear someone here at church whistling or humming or singing as they are going about doing a task. It really catches my attention—and puts a smile on my face—because it’s so unusual to hear adults making music so unselfconsciously. Singing or whistling while you work is something that kids or one of the seven dwarves does. Grown-ups are usually more serious. But sometimes even grown-ups break into song and what a gift it is to over hear it—it’s contagious.

“Therefore I will offer sacrifice in the sanctuary, sacrifices of rejoicing; I will sing and make music to the Lord (Psalm 27: 6b).” This was the appointed psalm last Sunday and sacrifice is a fitting Lenten theme. But I find this phrase “sacrifices of rejoicing” intriguing and refreshing—and how interesting that it’s talking about offering sacrifice in the sanctuary. What might it be like if the work we do in the church was something that made us sing (literally or

figuratively)? What if our service in the church was a “sacrifice of rejoicing”?

No doubt some of you are thinking I’ve gotten a little out of touch with reality. Sacrifice describes things pretty well. The work we do at church—whether it’s preparing for worship in altar care, serving on a committee or taking away the recycling—takes its toll on us. It requires discipline, effort, energy, and time. There are tedious things that we do week after week, even when we don’t feel like it because we made a commitment. Sacrifice is a good word for it.

It’s the rejoicing that’s a stretch. I know this is what God wants for us. God wants us to offer sacrifices of rejoicing. What I’m a lot less knowledgeable about is how to get there.

For me, it helps to really stay focused on why I’m doing whatever task I’m doing. To be sure, we all do things for a mixture of motives. (One motive for me is that this is my job! But while it’s significant, it’s not my main motive.) We give of ourselves in church (and elsewhere) in response to all that God has given to us: our lives and our new life, our loved ones, this world, and so much more. It really makes a difference to me to stay as centered as I can in this truth. I give out of a grateful heart rather than one that is seeking approval, either God’s or someone else’s. When I do this—no matter what particular task I’m doing—it feels different. It may even sometimes come close to rejoicing!

Staying focused on the immensity of God’s gift to me, helps me to say both “yes” and “no” with more freedom. A favorite quote of mine is, “God desires a living sacrifice, not a burnt offering.” It’s hard to rejoice when you’re exhausted and harried because you have too much on your plate. Staying focused on God helps me remember that I am human and limited. Sacrifices call us out of our selves, to give something of ourselves for a greater good. But in the economy of God’s grace, our giving can fill us with joy—maybe so much that we’ll be whistling!

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

By Mark Rohrbaugh

I had intended to devote my contribution to this month's newsletter to a report on the February 25 Congregational Meeting. That was not to be. After the worship service that snowy and progressively icy morning, an adventuresome (some might say fate-testing) group met for fellowship over a hearty bowl of soup and watched the snow grow deeper with each sip. We did not have a quorum but decided to provide the planned reports on finance, pastoral matters, visioning and construction, and proposed resolutions for Synod Assembly, while deferring the presentation on Stephen Ministry. In any event, we did not take any votes and will dust off and update the reports for the rescheduled Congregational Meeting on Sunday, March 25. I hope you will be able to attend.

One update was that we have launched the Music Director search committee. The committee includes Ray Rist (chair), Sheila Bell, Sylvia Glauster, Sven Kraemer, and Charles White. I thank them in advance for their efforts to review applications, interview candidates, and make recommendations for this important member of our ministry. We have already received some applications and will consider all those received by April 15. If you know of anyone interested, please encourage them to review the application instructions on the American Guild of Organists (AGO) website.

Another matter that will be discussed in more detail at the next meeting relates to resolutions for Synod Assembly. Council voted to recommend to the Congregation two proposed resolutions. This delay in the meeting provides us more opportunity to prayerfully consider and more fully discuss these matters. Pastor Renata provides in this newsletter a summary of the issues relating to Pastor Schmeling's ministry in Atlanta and the greater issue of the ELCA policy on the appropriate "expectations" for clergy in same-sex committed relationships.

The resolutions were sent to us by Lutherans Concerned North America and tailored by the local Metro Washington chapter to comply with the resolution format of our local synod. They relate to the ELCA discipline hearing committee request of synod assemblies to memorialize the churchwide assembly, requesting in turn that the appropriate churchwide unit reconsider and revise the standards of conduct for clergy. Currently, homosexual persons are required to be celibate with respect to same-sex relationships. The standards permit sexual relations only within traditional heterosexual marriages. The request would be to make the standards the same for all clergy in permitting sexual expression in long-term, mutual, chaste and faithful relationships. The other resolutions asks the churchwide assembly to request the ELCA to reinstate those clergy who were removed from the roster or not certified for call solely because they are in same-sex, long-term faithful relationships.

If you want to review copies of these resolutions prior to the March 25 meeting, you may obtain copies in the church office or send me an email requesting an electronic copy. In considering this request, we need to keep in mind the sensitivities of all those who have varying opinions on this issue and to listen carefully and respectfully, especially when we do not always agree. Hope to see you on the 25th for this discussion, the Stephen Ministry presentation, and other updates.

THEOLOGICAL BOOK CLUB: READING AND SHARING TOGETHER

By Carla B. Howery

The Theological Book Club welcomes anyone to come on a one-time or continuing basis, to share thoughts about books that aid our faith journey,

We are meeting about every 6-8 weeks and we rotate who selects the book to read and kicks off the discussion. We will meet promptly at 12:15, now in the Wenchel Chapel.

April 29 --- J.B. Philips, Your God is Too Small (David Blakemore)

June 10 --- Parker J. Palmer, Hidden Wholeness (Carla Howery)

July 22 --- Elizabeth Sifton, The Serenity Prayer (Herb Turvey)

VISIONING UPDATE

By Phil Hecht

During February, the Visioning Committee, augmented by the Ambassadors and members of the Stewardship Committee, made substantial progress on the plan for renovating the sanctuary and main floor of the Parish Hall. We met with MTFA on two Saturday mornings to review finishes and design elements. From my point of view at least, there was remarkable consensus among us and the attendance was impressive – 23 at the first meeting and 15 at the second meeting.

At our regular committee meeting on March 6, we tackled four important issues: (1) development of a construction budget that will enable us to track our spending against the renovation schedule and our receipt of pledges from the Alive in Christ campaign; (2) the need and timing for a line of credit for construction from the ELCA Mission Investment Fund; (3) the plan for selling 1516 Hamilton Street and its effect on our tenant Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington; and (4) the process for interviewing and hiring an owner’s representative to be the voice of the Congregation for the renovation. Again, participation in the meeting was impressive, with 14 members of the Visioning, Building and Stewardship Committees in attendance.

In the next month, these Committees will continue to meet and discuss these issues and report our recommendations to the Council. As we come closer to the reality of the renovation, we need to keep in mind that all of us are important to the process and its success. There is much yet to do and there are many challenges ahead, for which we ask God’s help and guidance.

Holy Week Services 2007

Palm/Passion Sunday, April 1, at 10:30 am: Come early for the Procession with Palms. We’ll gather outside the main door of the sanctuary to walk and sing. This year we’ll hear the Passion according to Luke.

Wednesday, April 4, at noon: Bible Study, Prayer and Holy Communion, followed by lunch in the Fellowship Hall.

Maundy Thursday Seder, April 5, 6:30-8:00 pm, in the Undercroft: We remember the last meal Jesus shared with his disciples with a unique service that connects the traditional Passover meal (the Seder) with our celebration of Holy Communion. There will be Footwashing and Holy Communion as a part of this ritual meal. (And for those who have never been before, there is plenty to eat!) It helps greatly with planning, if you can let us know you’re coming by calling (202/829-6727) or emailing the office (clcoffice@verizon.net) by Monday, April 2. Don’t worry if you can’t make it by 6:30 pm, just come when you can!

Prayer in the Memorial Garden, following the clean-up (around 8:45 pm): Weather-permitting, we’ll meet in the Memorial Garden, remembering that on this night Jesus went into a garden to pray and was arrested and interrogated. We’ll pray together a litany by candlelight. The actual prayer is brief (less than 10 minutes) but you are welcome to remain in the Garden as long as you wish. If it’s raining, we’ll pray in the Chapel instead.

Good Friday, April 6, at 7:30 pm: In this meditative service, we’ll hear the story of our Lord’s suffering and death from the Gospel of John. There will be a series of seven readings with a time of silent prayer and a hymn or anthem. After each reading, a set of candles will be extinguished.

Holy Saturday, April 7, 4:00-6:00 pm: This is a time of waiting between the intense pain of Good Friday and the intense joy of Easter. We will pray in the Chapel, lit with the Christ Candle, reminding us that there is no place where Christ is not. Our prayer will be mostly silent, with spoken prayers at

4:30, 5:00, 5:30 & 6:00 pm. You are invited

to come and go as you wish.

Easter Sunday, April 8, at 10:30 am: Festival Service of Holy Communion with special music provided by the choir and a trumpet player. After our journey through Lent and Holy Week, we come to the day that marks God’s triumph over death–the biggest celebration of the Christian year!

Easter Breakfast & Egg Hunt, at 9:00 am, Come early and enjoy a delicious breakfast with your church community. The Sunday School children and youth will share some of the things they have been doing this year. Before worship begins we’ll have an egg hunt!

REMEMBERING BETTY
ELIZABETH CATHERINE KRAUS 1922 + 2006
By Elise Fisher

Betty Kraus was in our Prayer list for a long time, nine years to be exact. She had suffered a series of massive strokes in January 1998. (Rita Stroberg has long been in the habit of calling her friends every day. When Betty failed to meet her for a luncheon date and then failed to answer the phone, she went to Betty’s apartment and found her. Rita was arguably our first Stephen Minister!) Betty’s family soon took her back to Ohio to be near them, but she never really left us. She was chief cook for the Mission Circle, the predecessor of the Wednesday Group. We still enjoy her lentil-pumpkin soup and vegetable chili.. And she made the world’s best tuna salad sandwiches for the Yard Sale!

Betty was a native of Akron Ohio. She came to Washington after graduating from Valparaiso University which she attended on the GI Bill, majoring in Geography. I got to know her there and as I recall we came to DC on the same train in June 1950. She had been accepted for a job at the Army Map Service. So, I invited her to Christ Lutheran, and there she was pleased to find so many like-minded friends. She was active with the Altar Care Committee from its beginning and with the Dorcas Circle and the Business and Professional Women. After she retired she became a pillar of the Mission Circle.

Betty was quiet, talked little about herself. So I was surprised when I learned in casual conversation that she served in Alaska as a WAC, that she joined the March on Washington for Civil Rights, and that she had failed the DC Drivers’ Exam twice. Driving was a real chore for her but she simply had to learn to keep working at Army Map. We went out together many times, practiced, practiced, practiced especially parking, and next time she passed!

In the years since her strokes she never walked nor spoke again. Her sister Ruth visited faithfully and reported every slight progress but most of the time it was that Betty was as good natured as she always had been. On Christmas Eve members of the family visited. Then early Christmas morning she quietly passed away.

Betty is survived by her two sisters, Ruth Lang and Lucille Busse and lots of nieces and nephews. Her ashes will be inurned at Western Reserve National Cemetery

+ + +
She whom we love and lose is no longer where she was before. She is now wherever we are. --St.John Chrysostom

CHURCH DIRECTORY COMING SOON

The Christ Lutheran Church photo directory should be in your hands by Easter time. It features most of our members with photos and names to help us know one another better. The directories are free to those who had their picture taken by the Olan Mills Studio.

A special thank you to Linda Ott who did the final layout for the directory.

THE CONCORDIAN CLUB DISBANDS

By Charles H. Fortson

After 71 years of fellowship, the Concordian Club voted to disband in 2006 because of a paucity of members.

Casimer David, a seminary graduate, came to Christ Lutheran Church to become the pastor’s assistant in 1935. He was neither called nor ordained. Pastor and Mrs. J. Frederic Wenchel offered him room and board, and a church organization paid him the princely sum of $30 per month.

Mr. David published the church newspaper, The Concordian. He soon saw a need for young married couples to have a greater chance to fellowship together and organized a group for this purpose. It adopted the name of Mr. David’s newspaper, calling itself the Concordian Club.

The club soon began to raise funds for outreach. The Pancake Supper and the Strawberry Festival became its primary fundraising efforts.

When Christ Lutheran Church left the Missouri Synod, the Lutheran Laymen’s League disbanded, and its members joined the Concordian Club. Since the league’s fundraising effort was the Beef Dinner, the dinner became a Concordian project as well. The Business and Professional Women’s Club disbanded around the same time as the Laymen’s League, and its members also joined the Concordian Club.

The club met monthly. Lutheran Social Services and Community and Family Life Services were the outreach projects that it funded most consistently.

When the club voted to disband, it decided to give Vicar Gretchen Anderson a $500 scholarship in memory of the club’s longtime president, Carroll Noll. The remaining funds were given to the Alive in Christ project.

A Fly on the Wall

By Vicar Jeanne Befano

One of the most exciting things that I get to do in ministry is to listen to prayer. For me, being with people who verbally express their hopes, desires, and thanks to God is like being a fly on the walls in God’s cosmic, heavenly home. I don’t want to interrupt or influence; I just want to listen! When I do, not only do I get a smidgen of what God hears-- which is very cool-- but I also get a nice perspective on what’s significant to the people who are doing the praying.

Prayer, or talking and listening to God, is an amazing thing in itself. First, of course, it assumes that there is a God. Then, it assumes something about God. It assumes that God actually listens. It assumes that God cares. And, it assumes that God wants to be in relationship with us. Perhaps “assumes” is not really the word I’m looking for. Maybe “hopes” would be a better choice. The person doing the praying hopes that there is a God who listens and cares about being in a relationship. The prayer has faith that God is for them and that God wants good things for them; things like life and health, healing and strength, peace and joy.

There’s nothing like being around young people if you want to learn about prayer. I guess that’s what Jesus meant when he said that we need to come to him as little children. They are honest, direct, and believing. Children know that they are not capable of doing life on their own. They need parents who provide for them, protect them, love them, and teach them. Watching how especially young children interact with loving, healthy parents is like looking through a window at how we are called to interact with God. I’ll never forget the time I watched a two-year-old run up to her dad. I was on the top deck of a ferry when I saw this bright-eyed little one scamper towards him. The two met with a giggling embrace and their eyes locked and their smile radiated. There was no way of describing this electrifying scene without using the word “love”. Since God is Love, there was no way of describing the scene without using the word “God”. Neither of them realized that this ten-second incident spoke to me of the simplicity of prayer and the loving relationship we are invited into with the Holy.

At the other end of the spectrum are older folks, who have taught me more about prayerful relationship and trust of God than I can articulate here. Actually, during the Wednesday Bible Study at CLC, the group decided they wanted to know more about prayer. We’ve been focusing on different styles of prayer. We began with a kind of prayer called Lectio Divina, or Praying with Scripture. This type of prayer is a heart-centered, rather than head-centered exercise. In it, rather than searching for the meaning and historical content, the words are allowed to sink into us in silence, where we find ourselves sitting at the feet of Christ simply listening.

We’ve also looked at an Ignatian practice of prayer where the prayer is invited to move into a passage of Scripture, imagining themselves in the scene. With certain stories, such as the paralyzed man at the pool at Bethesda that Jesus comes up to and asks, “Do you want to be healed?” The prayer is invited to listen to Jesus ask of them that same question as they imagine themselves as the paralyzed man. There are often very grace-filled insights expressed from this way of being with God.

At some point we will be experiencing centering prayer, praying with sacred Icons, walking prayer, the Jesus prayer, and possibly movement prayer. Thanks be to God that there are as many ways to pray as there are people who wish to move more deeply into relationship with the Holy in order to “love God with their whole hearts, minds and souls.” I can’t think of a better place to be, and to move out from, in order to then “love our neighbors as ourselves.”

A Fly on the Wall II

By Vicar Jeanne Befano

It was a humbling experience to work with the Confirmation students who wrote The Prayer for our Ash Wednesday services. I believe their prayers are worth sharing. They give us insight into what is in their hearts and on their minds before God. I think you’ll find that reading them is like being a fly on the wall in God’s cosmic, heavenly home. You’ll hear a smidgen of what God hears, and gain a nice perspective on what matters to them. May you be blessed by the beautiful faith of our young members of the Body of Christ as you read them!

Aware of our need for God, we come together to pray for the church, the world, and all those in need.

We pray for the world. The world needs peace. God, please teach us to have love and respect for each other. The world also needs a better environment. Please help people think of ways to save the forests and have people be more conscious about their use of cars. Help us to recycle. Help us to not pollute as much. Lord, in your mercy,

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for the leaders of the world, the Church, the country, our schools, and our parents. God, help all leaders. Give them knowledge. Help them to listen to the people they lead and to prayerfully listen to you always. Lord, in your mercy,

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for our congregation. What we need is for you to bless us and keep us safe wherever we go. God, you are our Father and you help the Church. Rebuild our church and help it look good when it is finished. Lord, in your mercy,

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are sick, in the hospital, or in nursing homes. God, they need hope and healing. Provide them with a way to find hope through those who love them. Give their doctors resources and ability to use their gifts for healing. Lord, in your mercy,

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray, dear God, for the people who live in our community and in our city. Help the poor people to have a house to live in. Help families to get along with each other and to love one another. Teach us to be kind and thoughtful to everyone. Lord, in your mercy,

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

O God, we thank you for being God, and for listening to us today.

All: Amen!

Casseroles to the Community

By Linda Ott

One thing for sure about the CLC community is that we care about one another. In a time of need, there is an outpouring of attention to the individual or family—almost always.

The Congregational Life Committee is trying to identify those who would appreciate community support with members in the community who can offer support when someone could use some help—when there are new additions to a family or when a family member is convalescing. Special deliveries range from a homemade casserole that can be eaten now or frozen for later to a pizza delivery certificate to dinner with flowers, candles, and wine.

Here’s an outline of the plan:

The church office is the central point for matching a coordinator to organize meals to those who have an event when meal delivery would be appreciated. The coordinator’s role is to check with the family/individual to learn special dietary needs, convenient days for meals to be delivered, and to communicate this information to the congregation via the church’s email—details available in a checklist available through the church office and in the congregational life notebook kept in the church library. The coordinator sends the email content to the church office and asks for it to be distributed to the congregation with their name as the point of contact. The coordinator also ensures that there aren’t eight meals planned for the same day and follows up with the family/individual to learn if they might appreciate having the service extended.

The church office will keep a short list of folks who have coordinated these events in the past and others who volunteer their names for the list. By coordinating through the church office, we hope to avoid times when more than one person is coordinating meals for the same family, or, more awkward, everyone assumes someone else is coordinating meals for a family or individual and, in fact, no one is, and nothing happens, and someone is overlooked.

Anyone can contact the church office and volunteer to coordinate meal delivery for a family or individual. The church office will make the checklist available so that the email that goes out provides guidance about special diets, open days, where to deliver the meals, etc. If you would like to have your name added to the coordinator’s short list, let the church office know. Cooks and meal contributors can make themselves known when the event arises.

It’s Just Desserts!

Help support the Lutheran Volunteer Corps! Organized by the Local Support Committee of LVC, "Just Desserts" is an evening of music, dance, and poetry performance topped with a delicious array of decadent delights from the area's best bakeries. We look forward to seeing you there!

When: Tuesday, March 27, 2007—7:00 pm

Where: HR-57 Center for the Preservation of Jazz and Blues
1610 14th Street NW (U Street Metro—Green)

Tickets: $15—Available at the door

Living Out a Vision

What follows was the lead article in a recent issue of Outward Bound, the Transitional Housing Corporation newsletter. Enjoy this tribute to CLC!

If you were to walk around Christ Lutheran Church in Northwest D.C., you might think it is just like any other church. Yet for many years, this congregation has had a distinct vision for the way the “reign of God” might look. In 1990 members of Christ Lutheran Church, in cooperation with Community Family Life Services and Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington, founded Transitional Housing Corporation.

Providing affordable housing with supportive services is the hallmark of THC’s Partner Arms program. During their two-year stay, families participate in a mandatory program of services that include employment and career counseling, family dynamics and parenting skills, life skills counseling, substance abuse counseling, and therapy for adults and children. Ten years after opening our Partner Arms building in the Brightwood Park neighborhood of Ward 4, THC opened Partner Arms II in the nearby Petworth neighborhood. Today, the program continues to flourish with a well-seasoned case management staff working with residents in a holistic approach to transformation. Weekly youth enrichment programs encourage creativity, positive social interaction, and healthy lifestyles.

Even though it would be quite easy to disappear from the scene, Christ Lutheran Church knows how important it is to give continued support to such an important ministry. Each September the congregation’s Yard Sale supports a number of beneficiary organizations, of which THC is one. Likewise, many members of Christ Lutheran support THC’s participation in the Fannie Mae Foundation Help the Homeless Program. The 2006 Gifts of Hope campaign at Christ Lutheran raised over $900 to support the Garden Club program and gave utility assistance to residents. THC Board Members Phil Hecht, Phyllis LaPlante, Albert Herring, Bill Amt, and Lawrence Thrower are all members of Christ Lutheran Church. Pastor Norm Theiss, retired pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, is also a member of THC’s Board of Directors, and Marty Jewett currently serves as a board member and has been a health advocate for our residents.

And yet the vision for bringing an end to homelessness in Washington, D.C., doesn’t just end with Christ Lutheran Church. THC has grown beyond an idea thanks to partnerships with other faith communities and faith-based, non-profit organizations. Many congregations participate in our adopt-an-apartment program. Others supply food at Thanksgiving or gifts at Christmas. Still other congregations encourage their members to volunteer on a regular basis. As THC continues to provide affordable housing and supportive services to almost 100 residents each year, we are reminded that, “where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18). We give thanks for the vision of our founders – won’t you help us continue that vision?

From a former CLC Vicar:

I’m writing to ask you to help us raise money for our youth and family ministries without spending a penny of your own money. Here's how:

GoodSearch.com is an internet search engine that gives a penny each time and every time you search the Internet using this search engine. The site is powered by Yahoo!, so you'll get the same quality search results that you're used to. What's unique is that they have developed a way to direct money to a charity or school with every click.

We have registered with them as one of their supported charities: Just type in Redemption Lutheran Church and Nursery School in the “Who Do You GoodSearch For?” box that appears on the search page. Then, type in your search just like you do when you Google.

Our goal for this year is to assemble a group of 1,000 patrons who will use GoodSearch and help us earn $7,000. (If 1,000 people search 2x per day for a year, we’ll raise $7,300.)

If you’re willing to help, please let me know so we can track our progress AND we know who to thank at the end of the year!!!

Go to: http://www.goodsearch.com to get started. Thanks for your help.

Peace,

Pastor Mary Konopka

revmaryjkonopka@verizon.net

Ruling in case against Pr. Bradley E. Schmeling

By Pastor Renata Eustis

As a part of the process that brought him to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Atlanta, Pastor Bradley Schmeling, told Bishop Ronald Warren that as a gay man he was currently in compliance with church guidelines because he was celibate. Pr. Schmeling also told Bishop Warren that he would advise him if that changed, which he did after he entered into a committed relationship with another man. Bishop Warren then brought the charge of “engaging in a pattern of conduct not compatible with the ministerial office in that Pastor Schmeling has persisted in an active homosexual relationship.” A discipline hearing committee of the ELCA was convened and a trial was held.

On February 7, 2007, the discipline hearing committee announced its decision. By a slim majority (7 out of 12), the committee ruled that Pr. Schmeling should be removed from the clergy roster of the ELCA, effective August 15, 2007. The decision to remove Pr. Schmeling was not surprising to those following this trial but the additional suggestions given in the written opinion seem to have caught everyone off-guard and charted new territory.

Two documents, Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline and Visions and Expectations, contain the specific requirements which, in the committee’s view, make it impossible for non-celibate homosexual persons to serve in the ordained ministry of the ELCA. A majority of the committee felt compelled to uphold the standards of these documents and therefore voted to remove Pr. Schmeling from the clergy roster. Yet the committee was nearly unanimous in its concern that both of these documents “are at least bad policy, and may very well violate the constitution and by-laws of this church”.

The heart of the argument, as I hear it, is that the constitution of the ELCA sets a standard for removal from the clergy roster that is based on “conduct incompatible with the ministerial office.” The conduct forbidden is “anything that impedes the proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments.” All parties in the case agree that the ministry at St. John’s Lutheran Church has flourished under Pr. Schmeling’s pastorate. Therefore, the fact that Pr. Schmeling is in a loving, life-long partnership with another man has not impeded his ministry is evidence that he is not involved in conduct incompatible with the ministerial office. To the contrary, the act of removing him from his pastorate would impede the proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of the sacraments.

The committee believes that the two documents that governed their decision, Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline and Visions and Expectations should be revised to come into line with the constitution of the ELCA. The committee made these suggestions: (1) synod assemblies are asked to memorialize the Churchwide Assembly, requesting that the Committee on Appeals and the Church Council reconsider and revise Definitions to remove the language that specifically precludes non-celibate homosexuals from service as ordained ministers of this church; (2) synod assemblies are asked to memorialize the Churchwide Assembly, requesting that the appropriate churchwide unit, the Conference of Bishops and the Church Council, reconsider and revise Visions to remove the specific prohibition against homosexual sexual relationships; (3) synod assemblies are asked to memorialize the Churchwide Assembly, requesting that the appropriate churchwide unit, the Conference of Bishops and the Church Council, reconsider and revise the policy on reinstatement to the roster of people who are in the same situation as Pr. Schmeling and have been removed from the roster or resigned. A specific change here would be making an exception to the requirement of waiting five years before reinstatement could be considered.

In our February meeting, the Christ Lutheran Church Council approved two resolutions we would like to introduce at the Metro DC Synod Assembly that address the requests made by the discipline hearing committee. These will be discussed and voted on at our rescheduled Congregational Meeting, March 25, 2007. If approved by the membership, we would introduce them in June at the assembly.

I have tried to represent faithfully the decision that was made by the discipline hearing committee, though I’m sure my own interpretation is also in the mix. I encourage you to read the text of the decision (14 pp.) which can be found at http://www.stjohnsatlanta.org, if you’re interested in knowing more.

A COFFEE HOUR APPEAL

By Pastor Renata Eustis

Even though it often takes me a while to get there, I always enjoy the warm, energetic atmosphere of Coffee Hour. It seems to me that more people are coming, and it's the first thing I mention to visitors. I've noticed that many of them come. Coffee Hour is a primary place where we get to know each other better, whether we've been coming to CLC for years or for the first time.

As someone who only on rare occasions serves as a coffee hour host, I really appreciate the efforts of those who serve in this role. You give a great gift. Thank you.

As we put together the new worship schedule, it would be wonderful if we could add some new faces to the Coffee Hour rota. We would schedule new people with someone who knows what they are doing. Recently, Beth Mills and Marilyn Zukel reorganized the kitchen so all the coffee hour supplies are labeled and found in large plastic milk crates in the closet. The coffee, tea, and supplies are provided.

There is a diversity of opinions about how much food to have at Coffee Hour. Some provide simple snacks, others bring brunch food, and still others do something in between. As a recipient of these gifts of food, I am appreciative of whatever is there. We have different people with different ideas about what they want to do, and that's just fine. This is all part of our valuing diversity!

Sorry to be so long-winded before getting to the crunch. Here it is: Please consider whether you might like to be a coffee hour host (paired with one or more hosts). If you would like to try it before you sign on, please do that. If you would like to jump right in, please do that. You can specify how often (once every 3 months, once every 4 months, once every 6 months).

Thank you!

Stephen Ministry News

This is a new graphic in the Messenger and in our bulletin! It is the Stephen Ministry logo, which consists of a cross and a circle, together with a broken person and a whole person. The broken person stands behind the cross, symbolizing the brokenness in our lives as a result of our sin. The whole person stands in front of the cross because it is through the cross of Christ that we are again made whole. The circle symbolizes both the wholeness we receive through Christ and God’s unending love for us. As a Stephen Ministry Congregation, each of us is called to be instruments of God’s healing love for each other and all of creation. For more details about our newly forming Stephen Ministry, contact Pastor Renata, Carla Howery or Vicar Jeanne.

STEPHEN MINISTRY PROCEEDS

By Carla B. Howery, Stephen Ministry co-leader

The lovely snow on February 25 shortened our Congregational Meeting and did not permit the presentation about Stephen Ministry. That presentation will happen when the Meeting is rescheduled. In the meantime, CLC is moving ahead with this new ministry.

Stephen Ministry is, well, a ministry. It is not a church task, a committee assignment, or a necessary obligation to keep the church running smoothly. We hope that members will give prayerful consideration about being involved in any number of ways, including as a Stephen Minister. It is a serious and time-intensive commitment, to be sure, but rewarding tenfold!

Stephen Ministers Are Being Selected

Members of the congregation who are interested in being a Stephen Minister have talked with Pastor Renata, Vicar Jeanne, or myself, and are in the process of completing an application to serve. Each will be interviewed and we hope we will make a mutual decision about whether this ministry is the right fit, or perhaps one’s gifts are better applied in other areas. If you are interested in being part of this first cohort, please contact us soon!

Stephen Ministers Are Being Trained

Starting April 18 and running through July 25, the Stephen Ministers will meet and undertake their fifty (50) hours of training to do their work effectively and ethically. When I describe Stephen Ministry to people (in church and outside), I say that the Minister mainly needs to listen and pray. One might think that most of us have the potential to do that (if we control our urge to talk) and so what is the 50 hours of training about! The training centers on common situations that the care receivers face, giving insights and resources to even a listener. Knowing about an issue can lead to asking more helpful questions, and then listening carefully to the answers. The training helps the Minister know when to make a referral and the importance of confidentiality. Of course the training helps the Minister in many ways, but does not prepare him/her to be either a counselor or a pastor!

We Are Collaborating

We will continue to communicate with our colleagues at St. Alban’s Church in particular, who are also starting a Stephen Ministry Program and attended the leadership training in early January with us. There are about 20 congregations in the larger metro area (mostly in the suburbs) that have on-going programs and we hope to learn from their experiences. Having some joint work with St. Alban’s will help us have bigger cohorts of Minister trainees, more trainers, and more interesting discussion! When we have care receivers, we might share those people across congregations so that confidentiality is even tighter when no identifiers about a person are shared in the supervisory groups.

So, neither rain, nor snow, nor dead of night can keep the fledging Stephen Ministry from taking flight! Please come to the congregational meeting and learn more about this Ministry and contact us quickly if you think you are called to serve in this way.

The Ear of Christ

Heard over the radio: Anita Josey Herring interviewing about her work with the city's children and families; and Cheryl Beversdorf talking about her work as president of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.

Seen on TV, Cheryl Beversdorf; also Sara Sylwester and Phyllis (PJ) Krchma in their role as "Blanket Buddies", a group that knits blankets and caps for babies for area hospitals, among them Holy Cross, where Janet Kelly works.. In print: Cheryl was also quoted in the March 5 edition of the POST, p. B1 and B5, in an informative article about veterans.

Patrick Noll has been admitted to the college of engineering at West Virginia University, Wayne and Pennie's alma mater. Since both of his grandfathers were engineers, it was almost a natural.

Also seen in the POST are Andrew Lindemann Malone's bylines on reviews in the arts section.

You won’t see Mack Ott around CLC for awhile. He is visiting professor in Tblisi, Georgia, teaching a macroeconomics course this spring. He’ll return stateside for Lizzy’s graduation from Barnard in May, then back to Georgia returning home sometime mid-July.

Linda Ott has gone government. As of January this year, Linda left her job as a contractor to the Federal Acquisition Institute and joined the government team as a Program Analyst. Her new role offers challenges and opportunity to build new skills.

As many of you know, Scott Pitner and Ann Marie Breheney are the proud parents of Aidan Christopher, born on February 1st. (See photo later in this issue.)

Andrew Fremming is now living in his own condo in vibrant downtown Silver Spring. Address: 8045 Newell Street #324.

Join us for an Easter breakfast and egg hunt on Easter morning at 9:00 am in the Undercroft, before the 10:30 Festival Service! Enjoy breakfast casseroles, hot cross buns, colored eggs, and other goodies. An egg hunt will take place on the church lawn weather permitting. All you children, bring your parents! Be a part of the joy and fun of the day! Volunteer to lead the egg hunt or make part of the breakfast! Joanne Noll, 301-530-2265 or nollcaljo@juno.com.

WELCOME BECKY ROBERT

By Carla B. Howery

When I called to "interview" Becky Robert she was putting Caleb to bed. I said, "I'd like to verify that that child ever sleeps!" He's such an active, happy boy every time I see him. He loves his brother Isaiah, and they chase, laugh, and enjoy one another. Becky has her hands full as a mother of these two active sons and as a busy professional in the field of international public health.

Becky has Lutheran roots, Missouri Synod even, and grew up in Chicago. But she did not put down roots there, or even in the U.S. On her own and with husband Christian Winger, also in international development work, she has spent considerable time living and working in Guatemala, Peru, Nicaragua, and Albania.

The CLC Valpo alumni can count Becky as one of their own. She was an undergraduate at Valparaiso University before going to the University of Minnesota and then Johns Hopkins for her graduate degrees in international public health. She is not done learning, because at present she is adding a pediatric specialization to her family practitioner specialization, doing clinical work at Mary Center in the District to fulfill her clinical training hours. Her "day job" is an adjunct faculty member at the Catholic University, training nursing students in community health, with Holy Cross Hospital as their work site. It is hard to believe she has free time, but she and her family enjoy hiking and outdoor activities and, as a good Lutheran, she loves music.

This month, the Robert-Winger family will move across the Potomac to Takoma Park. They wanted Isaiah to attend Rolling Terrace Elementary School, which is the international magnet program and Spanish immersion. Her own household could be termed "Spanish immersion," but having Isaiah speaking only Spanish in kindergarten and being with 800 kids from 47 countries will only add to the family's international commitment. The Harris-Cheston family and my family welcome them both to Takoma Park and to Rolling Terrace. Jill Harris is a student there now and my sons are alumni.

We all welcome Becky, Christian, Isaiah, and active Caleb to our church family.

CIRCLE THE WAGONS -- March 18

3:00 at the home of Joanne Noll

This Circle is also a Shower! In honor of Ann Marie Breheny and Scott Pitner’s new baby, Aidan. How wonderful to meet our newest CLC member! Contact Joanne Noll or Carla Howery for details about the shower.

All CLC women are invited to come for an afternoon of relaxing fellowship away from the slings and arrows of daily life! No need to bring anything but yourself.

Looking ahead: We need a volunteer host for the April 29th Circle. Please let Carla Howery know if you can offer your home.

The July 29th Circle will be a grand send off for Sandy Smith, who is moving to Jordan. That Circle will be at Carla Howery’s home.

Ann Marie, Scott, and baby Aidan

Flowers	Number	Amount due
Lilies, double-stemmed, 6-8 blooms ($15 each)
Lilies, single-stemmed, 3-4 blooms ($8 each)
Hydrangeas, pink ($15 each)
Hydrangeas, blue ($15 each)
Forced bulbs, 6 bulbs per pot ($13 each)
Total