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| Celebrate Earth Day by Joining St. John's Eco-Action Team |
By Tom Kerr, Eco-Action Team Co-Chair
Every spring we witness the rebirth of nature through the beauty we see in the flowering trees, shrubs and new growth in our gardens and parks. And we regularly pray in church to thank God for earth's beauty and bounty. If you love the earth and want to see it continue to thrive for our children and community in the future, consider joining St. John's Eco-Action Team.
You may know the Eco-Action Team from the Earth Day Fair that has become an annual tradition. This week we will host our Third Fair, on Sunday April 23 from 10:00-11:15. The Fair brings in businesses and other community resources to help us learn how to reduce our footprint through practical, fun and community-building activities like water-wise gardening, recycling and reusing the products we consume, using emissions-free sources of energy, and eating local organic food. In addition to the Fair, the Team is growing in ambition. For example, the Team will sponsor a "no drive" Sunday soon, in an effort to help us think about healthier alternatives to taking personal vehicles to church and other errands. We are also organizing a "Weed Warriors" outing to combat invasive species in our parks. We will team up with the Faith in Action group to make our voices be heard on key issues like supporting science and to support action to combat climate change. And we will bring in new voices and perspectives to our Adult Forums to challenge the way we think and act in relation to the planet.
We seek all eco-minded parishioners, from preteens to seniors, who want to help us to make the earth a little cleaner and healthier -- and at the same time grow stronger relationships within the church community. We meet roughly once a month; please come see our table at the Fair this week or contact us if you have questions!
Co-Chairs Tom Kerr (
kafkatom[A]hotmail.com) and Jane Houlihan (
jhoulihan[A]me.com)
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This coming September marks seven years for me as your rector.
I count my blessings daily for the gift of being able to serve such an open-minded, inclusive, compassionate and caring faith community, and look forward to our joint ministry in the coming years.
This summer (June 5 - September 5) I will be going away on Sabbatical. Derived from the word "Sabbath," a Sabbatical is typically taken in the seventh year and is intended to provide the rector with enough distance from his/her day-to-day responsibilities in order to cultivate a renewed sense of mission, purpose, and direction for his/her ministry. Typically, this is achieved through study, rest, spiritual renewal, and mission re-alignment,
so that
the rector can return and contribute even more fully and energetically to the ministry and mission of the church.
These three months will be for me primarily a time of study and travel. My studies will take place at Virginia Theological Seminary as I continue in my doctoral program (DMin), and my travels will take me to two places: Italy and Thailand. The first is a life-long dream deeply connected to my interest in the history of The Church in the West, and the second (a family trip) is my attempt to branch out to a continent I've never been to, and to engage a world religion that I have a growing interest in studying - Buddhism.
The length of a Sabbatical for the rector of St. John's is historically a generous six months. I have chosen to only take 3 months at this time and will explore with the vestry the best way to approach the remainder of the Sabbatical leave in the future.
I am currently working with your church leadership to plan for my absence, including an amazing line-up of guest preachers who you will not want to miss. In the coming weeks, I will be providing you with more information on the logistics of St. John's in my absence.
Thank you for the ways in which you invest in me, and as always, I welcome your prayers for me and for the work and ministry of our church.
Grace and Peace,
Sari+
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By Anne Timpane, Director of Music Ministries
The Alleluia Choir, St. John's group of dedicated parents and children who unite their voices to lead our 9 am worship each week, share more than just the joy of music making. As members of a church choir, they have the added privilege and dimension of ministering to others through song. Their commitment to one another, to the group, and to our church is strong. However, the group desperately needs new members to ensure the continuation of this important ministry.
Everyone has their own reasons for joining the choir, but I believe that the most important reasons people join a church choir are to sing, to minister, to learn, and to belong. Our Alleluia Choir has a warm and inviting atmosphere that is both productive and vital. Each member of the group is valued for his or her contribution and is important to our sound and our rapport. As volunteers, they don't have to be there - they want to be there.
Please consider singing with the Alleluia Choir or any of our other groups in the fall. The time commitments are fairly small, but the benefits in terms of skills learned and connections made are long lasting.
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| Highlights from Holy Week and Easter |
Thanks to all who participated in making Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter a special week of observance and celebration. Special thanks to Anne Timpane, guest musicians, St. John's singing and ringing choirs, the Flower Guild, Altar Guild, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Acolytes, Ushers, Greeters and Welcome Teams. Thanks also to the Parish Life Committee for a wonderful Easter Brunch and lively Easter Egg Hunt and to Merry Plocki for her beautiful photos of the events. Here are some highlights from the services - be sure to check out the monitor in the West Avenue Lobby for more pictures!
 
 
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| St. John's Helps Fund a Nurse's Salary |
Lenten donations for St. Luke's Hospital in Nablus, West Bank, met our goal of $4000! Coupled with the $2000 already raised, we have met our commitment to fund half a nurse's salary - $6,000 - in 2017. Thank you to everyone who so generously contributed to helping provide much-needed medical care in Nablus.
- Anne E. Derse
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| Earth Day Fair on Sunday, April 23rd |
| Annual Parish Meeting on April 30th - Combined Service Schedule |
Mark your calendar for St. John's Annual Parish Meeting at 11:00 am on Sunday April 30th, and be sure to note the change in our regular service schedule.
Services will be held at 8 am, 10 am, and 5 pm. Children's Chapel will be held from 10-10:30 am, and C
hurch School will meet at 11 am.
A light lunch will be served at the meeting, and St. John's Youth Group will have baked goods for sale in support of their service trip to Camp JOY.
Come vote on new vestry members and delegates, hear about highlights from 2016 and some exciting new developments for 2017, see a sneak preview of our new website, and hear about St. John's budget in narrative form. You won't want to miss this important gathering!
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| Become a Stephen Minister |
For more information contact Stephen Leaders
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| Silent Movie Night - Sunday, April 23rd at 5:45 pm |
Join us in the Parish Hall on Sunday evening for a delicious roast beef dinner. Then make your way to the Nave, transformed into an old-time movie theatre, to enjoy some hilarious silent movie shorts. Jonathan Oblander, professional organist, will be improvising accompaniment for the movies. Don't miss this fun, family-friendly event! Cost is $5 per person/$15 for families of 3 or more.
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| Outreach Sunday, April 23rd - Support ERD and Help Peru |
April 23rd is Outreach Sunday for
Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD). Your loose plate offerings are especially needed this month to respond to El Niño-related storms in Peru.
ERD and local organizations are providing temporary shelter, water and sanitation and psychosocial support for affected communities in the Ica region south of Lima. Many people in this region have lost homes and livelihoods or are separated from their families. Storm runoff continues to flow over saturated ground, eroding soil, triggering mudslides, and overwhelming river systems. Flooding in coastal regions has increased the risk of waterborne disease, presenting a major public health hazard. More than 600,000 people have been impacted by storms since January, with the El Niño phenomenon predicted to last through April.
Please bring your checkbook on April 23rd and make your check out to St. John's, with ERD on the memo line.
- The Outreach Committee
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With not one but two major climate-and-science-related marches planned this month for Washington (and around the nation and the world as well), two St. John's committees are joining forces to organize groups interested in participating. The St. John's Eco-Action Team and the new Faith in Action Committee are inviting everyone to join in for either or both events.
The first is the
March for Science, on Earth Day, April 22. This march, with affiliated marches all over the planet, is not limited to climate change, according to organizers, but has been called to "demonstrate our passion for science and sound a call to support and safeguard the scientific community. It is time for people who support scientific research and evidence-based policies to take a public stand and be counted."
St. John's parishioner Margaret Hilton will lead this group. Margaret is asking participants to meet at the La Madeleine near the Bethesda Metro at around 7:30 am on the 22nd, leaving for the Metro promptly at 7:45 am. The group will join a Teach-In at 9 am and a rally at 10 am, before the 2 pm march. Please let Margaret know if you plan on coming:
mhilton8[A]gmail.com.
The second march, the
People's Climate March on April 29,
is focused on climate change. This is being organized by the same groups that brought more than 300,000 people to New York for a record climate rally in 2014. For this march the St. John's contingent will be led by Carolyn Peirce, a member of both the committees involved. Carolyn is asking participants to meet at the church at 10 am on the 29th. We will meet in the lounge where Jay Mallin will have signs he has created for us and also some markers to personalize your own. We will leave at 10:30, walk together to the Metro and head downtown to join others in front of the Capitol (at 4th and the National Mall). The march is scheduled to begin at 12:30 and will head down Pennsylvania Ave to the White House and then end at the Washington Monument around 3:00. Non-parishioners are welcome! We'd suggest bringing some snacks and water and a prepaid Metro fare card. Please contact Carolyn if you plan on joining this group:
peircecst[A]verizon.net
.
Although both trips are being organized by the St. John's committees, non-parishioners are welcome. And although registration links are provided below, pre-registration is not a requirement for either march. (Please do let Margaret or Carolyn know if you will be joining them, though.)
Some useful links:
Sign up for the March for Science
here.
- Jay Mallin and Carolyn Peirce
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| Seabury Celebrates Service - and Three St. John's Parishioners |
The Episcopal Diocese of Washington, the United Church of Christ Potomac Association, and Seabury Resources for Aging host an annual service honoring the contributions of older adults to their congregations and the community. Congregations and programs are invited to select as their honoree an older adult who has made a significant impact through service and leadership.
This year, St. John's is pleased to honor three of our seniors for their service - Connie Bishop, Helene Stowell, and Nellie Worsley. In this week's issue we are pleased to feature Nellie Worsley
The celebration of their service will be held at the Washington National Cathedral on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at 10 am.
All those who know these three outstanding women from St. John's are invited to attend the service in support of the work and dedication of three of our own!
Nellie Worsley
Nellie Worsley has been a faithful member of St. John's for more than 59 years. While serving as a member of the then-combined Altar Guild/Flower Guild, Nellie was the guiding force behind the creation of a separate Flower Guild, complete with its own work room. While serving as Co-Chair of the Flower Guild, she led the members through numerous spectacular Christmas and Easter celebrations, including the creation of indoor Easter gardens. Nellie also arranged the flowers for many services, both within the parish and for parishioners in other liturgical venues.
She consistently answered the call to "feed my sheep." In addition to the parish's Shepherd's Table and Community Based Shelter efforts, Nellie also contributed greatly to the greater community through Meals on Wheels. One of the treats many of us remember are the "special delivery" boxes of home-made toffee which magically appeared around Christmas time.
Nellie served our parish as a Stephen Minister for many years. As a devoted Christian listener, she supported her care receivers with a caring, comforting presence. She was also a regular attendee at Wednesday morning Bible Study and the weekly Wednesday Eucharist, and a familiar face at the 8 am Sunday services, always arriving early as the Altar Guild set-up person for both the Chapel and Nave services.
Nellie is honored for her dedication, love, and service to St. John's and her devotion to the Glory of God.
- Liz Luck
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| Bookmarks From the Norwood Parish Library |
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You may not have been able to attend the Transforming Questions classes on Tuesday evenings these past few weeks but you don't have to miss out on some of the information. You can find the class outline at
www.forwardmovement.org along with several other downloadable courses and recommendations for further reading. We have many of the authors cited by the class including Brian McClaren, Timothy Luke Johnson, Marcus Borg, Peter Gomes, Anne Lamott, C.S. Lewis, and more.
What are your most pressing questions? You can send an inquiry to
library[A]stjohnsnorwood.org and we'll be glad to make some reading or video suggestions to enhance your faith journey. When you come to St. John's we don't expect you to leave your brains at the door! Opportunities for more learning include Sunday evening Bible Study at 6 pm, exploring the gospel of Mark, and Wednesday morning Bible Study at 10:30 am focusing on the lectionary. Both classes are held in the lounge. And don't forget if you want to go deeper, check in the library or on the "Growing In Body, Mind & Spirit" bulletin board for information on how to join the EfM group (Education for Ministry - a graduate-level course of core seminary studies) on Wednesday evenings.
- Toni Hartman, Librarian
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| Highlights from the Diocesan Council Meeting |
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Council Goals Council continued its work on the formulation of goals and objectives for 2017 and considered a draft goals statement prepared by Bishop Mariann. Council proceeded to work on establishing priorities for specific objectives and a timeline for its oversight. The goals and objectives affirmed by Council fall into four categories:
- Building Congregational Capacity for Growth
- Christian Discipleship
- Striving for Justice
- Governance/Financial Oversight
Congregational Giving and Forthcoming Budget Adjustment
- 70 of 88 congregations have responded thus far. 21 of those congregations increased their financial commitment by 1 percentage point of normal operating income and 6 of the 70 congregations committed to contribute a tithe. Overall giving is anticipated to increase by approximately $140,000 in 2017. Together with the $160,000 of increased giving from congregations last year, this increased giving has made it possible to expand Diocesan initiatives to support congregational growth through such efforts as the Congregational Growth Grants.
- Because the estimated increase is less than the $170,000 forecast in the budget passed by Convention, it will be necessary to adopt expense reductions of $30,000. Council considered preliminary adjustments that would accomplish this without undermining key priorities.
Bishop's Report Bishop Mariann reported on the following matters:
- Sanctuary. The issue of sanctuary for undocumented immigrants continues to be of great interest to many in the Diocese. Mary Kostel, Chancellor, presented a webinar on legal aspects of providing sanctuary on March 23 and a program on sanctuary issues was held on March 28 at the Church of Our Saviour, Hillandale, with 60+ people in attendance. Also, on March 21 Bishop Mariann spoke at a program sponsored by Sanctuary DMV, a regional organization supporting the sanctuary movement in DC, MD and VA.
- Grants from the National Church. The Diocese has received two grants from The Episcopal Church, through the Roanridge Trust, a fund that supports rural ministry in the Episcopal Church. One of these grants will support Alpha program training and the other grant will provide support for the Southern Maryland Summit on April 29. These grants are in addition to the $100,000 grant announced last month in support of Misa Magdalena, a Spanish language community that worships at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Wheaton.
- Cathedral Task Force. The Cathedral Task Force announced at Diocesan Convention has been formed and held its first meeting on April 2. It is led by co-chairs Gerry Perez and Harvey Bale. Among other things, the Task Force will be conducting listening sessions in various locations in the Diocese concerning the mission and ministry of the Cathedral.
- Strategic Financial Resources Commission. The Commission has been formed and will hold its first meeting on April 8.
- Bishop Mariann's Sabbatical. Preliminary plans are underway for her first sabbatical, tentatively scheduled to occur from March 15 to June 15, 2018. She has made preliminary arrangements with several area bishops who will be available, as needed, to assist with pastoral and other matters requiring the oversight of a bishop, and she will work with members of her performance evaluation team and senior staff to identify sabbatical goals and ensure adequate diocesan leadership in her absence.
Upcoming Diocesan-Wide Events
- Celebration of Absolom Jones - 4:00 pm - May 7 at St. Andrew's, College Park
- Capital Pride Parade - June 10. Register now: http://www.capitalpride.org/events/parade-2017/
- Clergy Conference- The Joy Quotient in Worship. May 8-10, Bishop Claggett Center
- Kurt Ellison, St. John's Norwood
- Tom Hattaway, St. Barnabas Church of the Deaf
- Penny Winder, St. John's Norwood
- Andrew Walter, Grace Church, Silver Spring
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"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12
Please join us in
prayers of thanksgiving
for the birth of Max Bird Schaefer (grandson of Carl Schaefer and Frances Li).
Please join us in prayers of condolence for the families of those who have died:
- former parishioner, Esdeane Osgood
- Nadia Fanous (mother of Maggy Blackton)
- longtime parishioner, Connie Bishop
Please contact the Office if you have a prayer request or thanksgiving to share with the Parish.
Send us an email request
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March for Science St. John's participation is hosted by the Eco-Action Team and Faith in Action Committee.
Contact Margaret Hilton for more information.
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Earth Day Fair 10 am in the Parish Hall. Sponsored by the Eco-Action Team.
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Silent Movie Night begins with a roast beef dinner in the Parish Hall at 5:45 pm, followed by silent movies in the Nave with live organ accompaniment!
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People's Climate March St. John's participation is hosted by the Eco-Action Team and Faith in Action Committee.
Contact Carolyn Peirce for more information.
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Combined Service Schedule Holy Eucharist at 8 am, 10 am & 5 pm.
Annual Parish Meeting 11 am in the Parish Hall.
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Sunday, April 23, 2017
Outreach Sunday - Episcopal Relief and Development for Aid to Peru
8:00 am
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Holy Eucharist with sermon - St. Mary's Chapel
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| 8 am-4 pm |
Shepherd's Table Food Preparation - Kitchen |
| 9 am-1:00 pm |
Parish Library Open |
| 9:00 am |
Holy Eucharist and sermon |
| 9-9:30 am |
Children's Chapel - Hines Hall
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| 10-11:00 am |
Church School - Classrooms |
| 10-11:15 am |
Earth Day Fair - Parish Hall |
| 11:15 am |
Holy Eucharist and sermon |
| 12:15-1:15 pm |
Hospitality Hour - Lounge |
4:45-6:30 pm
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Parish Library Open
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5:00-6:00 pm
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'Come As You Are' Holy Eucharist
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| 5:45-7:30 pm |
Roast Beef Dinner & Silent Movie Night - Parish Hall & Nave
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Monday, April 24, 2017
Church Office Closed
| 7:30-9 pm |
Outreach Committee Meeting - Library |
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Church Office Hours: T-F, 9am-4pm
| 4-4:45 pm |
Primary Choir Rehearsal - Choir Room |
| 5-5:45 pm |
Children's Choir Rehearsal - Choir Room |
| 6-7:00 pm |
'Transforming Questions' Class - Parish Hall |
| 7-8:00 pm |
Alleluia Choir Rehearsal - Choir Room |
| 7:30-8 pm |
Vestry Devotions - Lounge |
| 8-10:00 pm |
Vestry (open) Meeting - Lounge |
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
| 12-1:00 pm |
Holy Eucharist and Healing - St. Mary's Chapel |
| 1-4:00 pm |
Parish Library Open |
| 6-10:00 pm |
EfM Class - Lounge |
Thursday, April 27, 2017
| 6-7:15 pm |
Norwood Ringers Rehearsal - Choir Room |
| 7:30-9 pm |
St. John's Choir Rehearsal - Choir Room |
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Annual Parish Meeting - Combined Service Schedule
8:00 am
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Holy Eucharist with sermon - St. Mary's Chapel
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| 10:00 am |
Combined Service of Holy Eucharist and sermon |
| 10-10:30 am |
Children's Chapel - Hines Hall |
| 11 am-12 pm |
Annual Parish Meeting - Parish Hall |
| 11 am-12 pm |
Church School - Classrooms |
4:45-6:30 pm
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Parish Library Open
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5:00-6:00 pm
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'Come As You Are' Holy Eucharist
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| 5:30-7:30 pm |
Youth Group - Youth Room |
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Submitting Articles to This Newsletter
- When: Articles are due the Sunday prior to the Friday publication date.
- How: Insert the text of the article in the body an email and send the email to Karen Berry, our church administrator.
The church staff reserves the right to determine the content of this newsletter and edit for grammar or length requirements.
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