________________________________VOLUME 42 NUMBER 2
March 2008
T H E
M e s s e n g e r
CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH
Washington, DC
MAKING US HOLY
By Pastor Renata Eustis
Earlier this week, there was this headline on the front page of the Washington Post: “In Major Poll, U.S. Religious Identity Appears Very Slippery”. It’s an interesting article, well-worth reading. (For those who didn’t see it, it’s posted on the CLC bulletin board.) I was particularly intrigued by the finding pointed to in the headline: 44 percent of Americans have left the religious group they were raised in (including those switching among Protestant denominations).
There are many ways to look at this movement and I find myself wondering how this sounds to those for whom being Lutheran is a central and lifelong experience. It’s possible to see this as a lack of commitment or as a “shopping around”. I think it’s equally possible to see this as a kind of seeking, a desire for a deeper experience of God in community. One scientist with the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life (the group who did the survey) described the U. S. as being “religiously vibrant”.
As I see it, those who leave one religious group and move to another could be people who are every bit as committed to the life of faith as those who stay in one church community for their whole lives. For whatever reason, the faith tradition they were raised in doesn’t work for them now. It’s no longer an expression of where they are in their faith journey. Rather than participating unenthusiastically in the church of their childhood, they are intentionally looking for a place they can embrace more fully. (Of course, there are many reasons, including moving to a new place, for why people leave the church of their childhood.)
I’ve been thinking about this survey and how it relates to our life together at Christ Lutheran Church. On March 9, we’ll be receiving ten new adults into membership. Some of these are people who have been coming for years (and chances are that they looked so much like members that many assumed they were.) Some are people who have recently started coming. Each one of them has found a place here that they want to call their community at this point in their lives. There are a myriad of reasons and circumstances that explain why these people are here, why they have decided to intentionally belong to CLC.
And then there’s the activity of the Holy Spirit—not as easily accounted for in surveys! It is the Spirit of God who “calls, gathers and enlightens and makes holy the whole Christian church on earth” (Luther’s explanation to the third article of the Apostles’ Creed.) The way I see it, the Spirit has been actively working in and through and among us, awakening a desire in some to become members, in others, a desire to gather more often for worship. The Spirit is calling forth in some the gift of inviting friends and neighbors and in others, the joy of welcoming them. And certainly, the Spirit is enlivening the hearts of those who are coming, giving them the energy and courage to step into a new place.
In all of this, the Spirit is “making us holy” (which is not the same thing as making us “good”—but that’s another column). The basic definition of “holy” is “set apart for God”. “Making us holy” might be another way of saying “living our faith.” The way I see it, “making us holy” is also about leading us to communities and relationships that stretch us, feed us and give us what we need to grow spiritually. This is true whether we’ve been in this community for 90 years or 9 weeks—the “making holy” work of the Spirit never stops. What a gift that is!
WHY DO YOU BELIEVE WHAT YOU BELIEVE?
By Vicar Christine May
In recent weeks I have had a few conversations with different members of CLC about various faith traditions. As Christians, much of our understanding of God is shaped through the person of Jesus. This is central to our faith understanding. Many of us are aware of the increasing plurality of religions. So, it is natural to fear that the centrality of Jesus and our understanding of salvation is being compromised by opening ourselves up to different (and sometimes hard to understand) faith traditions.
However, I truly believe God has something to say to us when we are willing to look at things in new ways. At the core of Jesus’ message is an openness to others, which includes those who do not name Jesus as their redeemer in the same way we do. It is precisely because of Jesus that I feel more open to all people (including how their faith is defined) than I ever could have been without Jesus in my life.
Beginning April 13, speakers from different religions and faith traditions (Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Mormonism) will present during Adult Forum. Only one faith presentation will take place on any given Sunday. Each class will include an overview of the tradition, address the issue of ‘salvation’ (or the equivalent thought), and leave time for questions. Each presentation will begin promptly at 9:15am. This will allow choir members to attend a significant portion of the class and it will allow us plenty of time to learn about something which impacts us all. We hope you will take this opportunity to learn something new and to welcome visitors into our faith tradition. I know they will learn from us too!
The first presentation (April 13) will be given by Patrick Hamilton who has been a Buddhist since 1965. As a Western-Buddhist he comes with a unique perspective on faith, culture, and society. Patrick is also a very good friend of the May family!
The other faith traditions will follow on subsequent Sundays. The Interfaith Conference of Washington D.C. is assisting with those speakers (more information to follow as it becomes available).
Naturally we will bring our Christian perspective to each session, but it won’t be the primary focus. Our final discussion will focus on the Christian faith and what it means for us in today’s day and age. We will specifically address the issue of salvation and what it means for us congregationally and individually to confess Jesus as our Savior. It is important for us to struggle with the questions of the Christian faith, to ask God for guidance, and to accept that we do not have all the answers. I, for one, am looking forward to these discussions and hope many of you will take advantage of these opportunities.
VISIONING UPDATE
By Phil Hecht
The past two months have seen a flurry of activity by the Visioning and Stewardship Committees on our planned renovation. In early January we selected American Property Construction (APC) as our general contractor through a competitive bidding process. During the last month, APC and our architects and owner’s representative have engaged in “value engineering,” which has enabled us to achieve significant cost savings by reducing the scope of the project and considering alternative designs and materials.
As it stands now, the renovation will achieve four objectives: First, we will have new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems in the sanctuary, Wenchel Chapel and Parish Hall. These systems will be quieter, more efficient and more reliable than our current systems, some of which are 75 years old. Second, the sanctuary, Wenchel Chapel and Parish Hall will have new lighting. Third, the sanctuary will be accessible from the Parish Hall by a ramp across the back of the Wenchel Chapel. Fourth, the upper level of the Parish Hall will have new finishes. The estimated time period for construction is 36 weeks, and we hope to start on or before May 1.
The estimated total cost for the renovation will be approximately $3.2 million, but it is important to emphasize that the costs remaining to be paid are closer to $2.65 million. Our plan is to obtain a line of credit from the ELCA’s Mission Investment Fund for the construction period, which we will pay down with some of our invested bequests and endowment funds, our received Alive in Christ pledges, and the proceeds from the sale of 1516 Hamilton Street in 2009. We will be left with a long-term mortgage of as much as $1.1 million, the principal and interest for which we will pay from gains on our invested bequests and increased giving by the Congregation. Our success will depend on two factors: the stock market returning to its robust performance over the last several years, and, more importantly, the willingness of CLC members to continue giving at the level we have experienced during the Alive in Christ campaign.
These issues were discussed at our Congregation Meeting on February 24, and we will hold a special Congregation Meeting on March 9 to vote on moving ahead with the renovation.
A FUN AND SUCCESSFUL EVENING!
By Joanne Noll
On Shrove Tuesday, February 5, more than 90 people came to the "Ice Palace" undercroft) to partake of pancakes, sausage, applesauce and the trimmings at the annual Pancake Supper. CLC's special recipe for pancakes was reinvented and the pancakes were as good as ever!
"Reinvented" means that the mix was made by hand because Washington Flour no longer makes the mix. We persevered and the result was very successful! Everyone said so!
A great team of decorators, sausage fryers, batter mixers, pancake flippers, table servers, and cleaner uppers made for a great evening of food, fun, and fellowship on a wonderfully warm day in February --65 degrees.
The advertised recipient of proceeds was funding to help start a library in Mettu, Ethiopia. The Oromo Lutheran Congregation, which worships in our sanctuary on Sunday afternoons, not only helped wait tables for this social event, but others attended in impressive numbers
to enjoy the fellowship and help with the library.
As a result, $634.00 has been sent to the appropriate folks to support the new library, and CLC has had its first joint social occasion with this congregation who shares our beautiful sanctuary.
EASTER BREAKFAST and EGG HUNT
CLC will feature an Easter breakfast and egg hunt on Easter morning at 9:00 a.m. 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!
Contact Joanne Noll, 301-530-2265 or nollcaljo@juno.com.
STEPHEN MINISTRY CAREGIVING
By Carla B. Howery, Co-Coordinator, Stephen Ministry
When we are troubled, we may seek pastoral care, professional counseling, medical help, a good visit with a friend, or a good cry alone. All those strategies are helpful and have their place. Stephen Ministry might be added to the list, as something that complements any of these approaches. Stephen Ministers meet with a care receiver once a month for as long as both think such an arrangement is helpful. The average is about a year, but no care receiver needs to commit to that. Instead, a care receiver can think of the possibility of a sustained relationship with a Stephen Minister as a unique resource that extends what a pastor or a counselor or even a friend can do.
Contact Pastor Renata if being a care receiver now is the right step for you.
Calling for Cohorts
If you are interested in serving as a Stephen Minister, training for a new cohort will either happen across the summer or into the fall, if there are enough people at CLC interested. We need at least four people to have a robust, exciting training experience. Or, if there are only 1 or 2 people interested and available, they can participate in the training at National Presbyterian Church (on Nebraska Avenue NW) one night a week starting in the fall. Pastor Renata and Carla Howery will help with that training and of course CLC people trained in this collaborative would meet with the current CLC Stephen Ministers for continuing education and peer supervision. Please contact Pastor Renata or Carla Howery for more conversation about your interest and availability.
[formerly Circle the Wagons]
Circle of Sisters will meet next on March 9, 2008
3:30-5:30 p.m.
at Lori Beaston’s home
1903 Ventura Ave,
Silver Spring, MD 20902
All CLC women are invited to come for an afternoon of relaxing fellowship!
Here are the dates for the Circle of Sister gatherings for the calendar year. Mark your calendars and consider volunteering to host one of the open dates.
May 4 -- Carla Howery
July 13 – Marilyn Zukel
September 14 [after Yard Sale
carryout] – Pastor Renata Eustis
November 23
SIMPLY GIVING:
Off To Strong Start
Within just two weeks of being introduced to the congregation, 13 families have enrolled in Simply Giving. As mentioned in the February Messenger, this automated giving program, run by Thrivent Financial, is designed to help you conveniently, consistently and joyfully give financial gifts to our congregation’s ministry. Thrivent transfers money electronically from your check or savings account to the church at whatever timeframe you specify (for example, weekly, semi-monthly, monthly, etc.). You can also target your giving to as specific area or areas (for example, general fund, Alive in Christ, etc.). Therefore, Simply Giving could also be the tool to help you more easily and regularly give to the Alive in Christ renovation project. Please contact Pennie Noll if you would like to enroll in the program. You can also read about the program by visiting the Thrivent Financial Web site at www.Thrivent.com. Click on Fraternal Programs, Church & Community Programs, then Simply Giving. Our goal is to have 25 families enrolled by May. It’s simple to do and will simplify the way you give. (The treasurer and financial secretary have enrolled. How’s that for a stamp of approval!)
Treasurer’s Report
By Artie Harris
As mentioned in our Congregational Meeting on February 24, 2008, while the church in general is in good financial shape, we anticipate ending the fiscal year on June 30th approximately $10,000 to $12,000 behind budget. This deficit is only about three percent of our operating budget and is largely due to lower than budgeted envelope giving. Four months are left in the fiscal year so we have time to make up some of this anticipated deficit.
Christ Lutheran Church has always been a congregation that rises to the occasion. I am hopeful we will make up some or the entire deficit through a combination of increased giving by existing members and new giving from our new members. Also, the Simply Giving program recently implemented could also increase overall giving by making it simpler to give.
GIFTS OF A MEAL
By Alice P. Meyer
We have started a new outreach ministry at CLC under the auspices of the
Congregational Life Committee. We will provide meals for members with newborns or for other members who might appreciate this kind of assistance.
We have publicized this on the church email list and by word of mouth, but
we’d like to include other members.
If you would like to provide an occasional meal or know of someone who would
benefit from one, please let Alice Meyer know at 301-650-2292 or
bannerz@starpower.net.
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, with president and CEO, Cheryl Beversdorf (a CLC member), received an award for its efforts to support homeless vets. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) is the only national nonprofit organization specifically focused on improving the opportunities for homeless veterans to regain control of their lives and again become contributing members of society. Cheryl and Dennis traveled to New York City where Cheryl received the award at a black tie gala. Present at the ceremony were other dignitaries including Senator Bob Dole.
Ann Marie Nelson was one of the recipients of the inaugural award for distinguished alumni of her medical school alma mater - The autonomous University of Guadalajara. She and Eric traveled to Mexico to receive the award.
Young Calvin Gidney wants to introduce you to our newest member of CLC, his sister Eleanore, born on February 8th. Proud parents, Evan and Tiffany, are trying to catch their breaths as they introduce this new bundle into their routine. By the way, Eleanore is beautiful.
Jon Dorschner would welcome any snail mail letter or news while he is posted in Iraq. His address is:
Jon P. Dorschner
Dhi Qar Provincial Reconstruction Team
APO AE 09331
Keri Schultz's brother Adam, serving in Iraq, is in our prayers every Sunday. If you would like to send him a note or a card, Keri says he would enjoy that very much. His address is:
2LT Schultz, Adam
2nd PLt 169 MPCo
Unit 73301
APO - AE 09371-3301
JOIN MEMBERS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH FOR AN IMMERSION EXPERIENCE TRIP TO EL SALVADOR
By Kendall Bentz
This summer, Christ Lutheran Church is joining with International Partners in Mission to take an "Immersion Experience Trip" to El Salvador. The dates for the trip are: June 20-28, 2008.
As many of you know, the Washington D.C. area is home to the second largest community of Salvadoran immigrants in the U.S. The issues impacting this large immigrant population impact us, as well: affordable housing, employment, poverty, crime and violence, social and cultural conflict. How do we address these challenges? How do we best serve our neighbors? This trip is intended to help us begin to answer those questions – and to determine what Christ is calling us to do.
If we are able to organize a group of at least 10 people, the cost for the trip will be $850 per person, plus airfare. We need to hear from any interested members by March 16th, 2008.
Reach out to either Karin Klingman or Pastor Renata if you have any questions about the trip or to tell them if you are interested in coming along!
KUDOS
FROM LIFELINE PARTNERSHIP
(A Yard Sale Beneficiary)
"It is with deep appreciation and gratitude that our Board of Directors, ur participants with developmental disabilities and I acknowledge your cntribution from a portion of the proceeds of your 2007 annual Yard Sale. As someone who volunteered at both days of the sale and with clean-up day, I have come to appreciate not only your generosity, but also your hard work and terrific team spirit.
As you know, the survival of Lifeline Partnership as a faith-based organization is very much dependent upon the support we receive from generous partners like you. It is only with your help that we are able to continue to serve participants with developmental disabilities.
In gratitude in Christ's service, Marybeth Fox-Grimm, Executive Director
P.S. Good News! In November Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services (Watertown, WI) gave Lifeline Partnership and First Trinity Lutheran Church its National Volunteer Service Award! Because they are a leader in faith-based services for persons with intellectual disabilities, this award is especially meaningful."
FROM CHILDREN’S NATIONAL MEDICAL CENTER.
February 22, 2008
Dear Martha and friends at Christ Lutheran church,
Thank you for the generous donation of Small Premie knitted hats for the NICU. Your donation helps us keep Dr. Bear’s Closet well-stocked throughout the year which enables us to continually serving more than two hundred seventy five families in the inpatient setting and over a thousand children in the outpatient setting.
Dr. Bear’s Closet provides items such as toys, games, art supplies and toiletries to children being treated in several departments such as Dialysis, Surgery, Radiology, the Emergency Department, Orthopedics and those served by the Mobile Medical Unit in the community. These items enable families to find comfort in the face of something that is scary and unknown and make a potentially stressful situation a little more “bear-able.”
In addition, monetary donations allow us to provide toys and other items for children and meet the needs of families all year round.
Thanks to your generosity and kindness, we are able to continue our mission of helping to alleviate some of the stress associated with a hospital visit. On behalf of all of us in the Department of Consumer Support and Volunteer Services, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We wish each and every one of you many blessings throughout the year.
With Gratitude,
Terry Orzecho-Qshki
Director, Consumer Support and Volunteer Services
SAVING ENERGY AND $$
By Alice Meyer
Did you know your electrical appliances consume energy even when they are not in use? I learned this last June from an article in the New York Times. The link for that article, called "Putting Energy Hogs in the Home on a Strict Low-Power Diet" is http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/14/technology/14basics.html?scp=39&sq=saving+energy&st=nyt
David and I started unplugging small appliances like my hair dryer, our toaster oven, etc. For larger appliances like our computers and TVs, we purchased surge strips. We turned the surge strips off when we were not using those.
We did not change our alarm clocks since we would hate to be late for church!
As a result, our Pepco bills have reduced substantially. Not only does this help our pocketbooks, it helps reduce the amount of CO2 going into our atmosphere.
“DINNER FOR EIGHT” GROUPS FORM FOR NEXT CYCLE
by Carla B. Howery
For the past two years, Christ Lutheran Church has coordinated dinner groups as a way for members to socialize and know one another better. This initiative is named “Dinners for Eight” and has a simple structure. Groups of eight people – singles, couples – are formed and meet for dinner (or brunch) four times over the next year, rotating the home where the dinner is held. Sometimes the groups meet in a restaurant. Most often the dinner is a potluck, with the host providing the main dish. But mostly there are no rules, just the simple aim of getting people together beyond Sunday and beyond church “tasks” to get acquainted. Visiting one another’s homes always triggers many topics of conversation – from pictures on the wall and books on the shelves to the food served.
After each group has met four times over the year, the groups are reshuffled. AND – new people are added. Now is the time for those additions. How about YOU?
Anyone who has been in a Dinner for Eight will continue on the roster and will be put in a newly configured group, unless they notify me that they want to opt out for this cycle. Please contact me at Carla.howery@gmail.com before March 23 if you do not wish to continue in a group.
For those who are new to the church or who have not been in a group this past year, please zip me an email expressing your interest in being in a group and you’ll soon hear who the others in your dinner group are. [We try to form groups in geographic proximity if possible]. We have had four or five groups going these past two years…how about adding one or two more?
Please join in a dinner group! You’ll be well fed in so many ways.
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 monthly and we rotate who selects the book to read and kicks off the discussion (the name in parentheses). We meet promptly at 12:15, now in the Wenchel Chapel. Here is the list for the calendar year. Mark your calendars, visit the library, enjoy reading, and come and share your thoughts.
DATES AND BOOKS
April 13 Ruth and Esther: Women in Alien Lands by Johanna W. H. van Wijk-Bos (Christine May)
May 18 The History of God: the 4000 Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity and Islam by Karen Armstrong (and possibly her autobiography, The Spiral Staircase) (Susy Cheston)
July 13 Joshua by Joseph Girzone (David Blakemore)
Sept. 21 The Good Book by Peter Gomes (Herb Turvey)
Nov. 9 Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcends Tragedy by Donald Kraybill et. al. (Carla Howery)
NO-BUGS CHRISTIAN HUMOR
Jesus and Satan were having an on-going argument about who was better on the computer. They had been going at it for days, and frankly God was tired of hearing all the bickering.
Finally fed up, God said, 'THAT'S IT! I have had enough. I am going
to set up a test that will run for two hours, and from those results, I will judge who does the better job'
So Satan and Jesus sat down at the keyboards and typed away.
They mouse-d. They faxed. They e-mailed. They e-mailed with attachments. They downloaded. They did spreadsheets! They wrote reports. They created labels and cards. They added graphics! They created charts and graphs. They did some genealogy reports
They did every job known to man.
Jesus worked with heavenly efficiency and Satan was faster than hell.
Then, ten minutes before their time was up, lightning suddenly flashed across the sky, thunder rolled, rain poured, and, of course, the power went off.
Satan stared at his blank screen and screamed every curse word known in the underworld.
Jesus just sighed.
Finally the electricity came back on, and each of them restarted their computers. Satan started searching frantically, screaming: 'It's gone! It's all GONE! I lost everything when the power went out!'
Meanwhile, Jesus quietly started printing out all of his files from the past two hours of work.
Satan observed this and became irate.
CHILDREN ABUZZ @ CLC
By Linda Ott
Many folks have commented at how crowded the chancel stairs are for the Children’s Message. Well this is not the only place where we have been blessed with increased participation in Christian Education opportunities for young people. If you happen to go downstairs on Sunday morning and pass by the Sunday School room and Atrium you will see children abuzz in activities where they are learning about God’s love for them.
The Atrium conducts the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program for 3-6 year olds. This is hands-on exploration of worship and experiential learning of the life and teachings of Jesus the Good Shepherd. Parents of these children have told us that their children are ready and waiting at the front door so that they are not late getting to the Atrium. Average attendance in the Atrium is 6-8 children each week and has been known to exceed a dozen at times. We have demonstrated that if you build it, they will come. Carolina Glauster is the lead teacher in the Atrium with Sylvia Glauster providing assistant support.
Sunday School is the next level for 6-12 year olds (pre-Confirmation) and uses a format and program developed by Lee Schray and Linda Ott that has been in place for about 4 years now. The children really enjoy the format and gathering on the floor cushions to discuss and explore lessons. Over the past year, attendance in Sunday School for this age level has risen to an average of 10 children. We are so excited to have eager and engaged children who recognize Sunday School as their place to learn about God, the Bible, and God’s love for us. Most of these children are those that you see serving as acolytes and crucifers in worship. Linda Ott and Fred Mills alternate the lead teacher role each week.
Confirmation classes have also seen an increased number of participants. Currently the confirmation class includes some already confirmed participants who continue to come to the classes as well as ones who are preparing for confirmation. Vicar Christine works with Kendall Bentz and Karin Klingman to run this program.
I share this good news with you and extend an appeal to anyone who might be interested in becoming a teacher for any of these age groups. We will provide orientation to the programs, coaching, support and schedule for lessons to be taught and you will never be the only teacher in the classroom. We have two teachers in each classroom every week in the Sunday School and Atrium and at least two leaders in the Confirmation classes that meet less frequently. We welcome anyone who is interested in joining us in this CLC mission. Contact any one of us if you would like more information.
HOLY WEEK SERVICES
Maundy Thursday Seder, March 20, 6:30-7:45 p.m., 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. This year the celebration of Holy Communion will take place after the Seder. 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, March 17. Don’t worry if you can’t make it by 6:30 p.m., just come when you can!
Holy Communion & Stripping of the Altar, 8:00p.m., in the Sanctuary: Following the Seder, we’ll move upstairs for a simplified service of Holy Communion and the traditional stripping of the altar. As the communion ware, the candles and the cloths are removed, we remember the stripping of Christ’s garments at the crucifixion. It is anticipated that this will be a brief service, concluding at 8:20 p.m. The church will remain open for those who would like to remain in prayer.
Good Friday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m.: 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.
Easter Vigil celebrated at Augustana March 22 at 8:00 p.m.
For those of you who want to celebrate the Easter Vigil Service, Augustana Lutheran Church, New Hampshire & V Streets NW, is holding a service at 8:00 p.m. on March 22. CLC's former pastor, Norm Theiss, is serving as interim pastor at Augustana and will be presiding. The Easter Vigil is loved by both Norm and the congregation of Augustana so this will be a great celebration. Following worship, the celebration will continue with a festive meal.
Easter Breakfast & Egg Hunt, at 9:00 a.m., Come early and enjoy a delicious breakfast with your church community. Before worship begins we’ll have an egg hunt!