Westmoreland Weekly E-News
Monday, May 22, 2017
Last Chance for Pictorial Directory Photo
Monday, May 22 and Tuesday, May 23
Two additional "make-up" sessions have been scheduled for Westmorelanders who were unable to have their photos taken in April for the pictorial directory. Appointment times are available at the church on Monday, May 22 and Tuesday, May 23 from 3:00-9:00pm.
National Gun Violence Awareness Day
Friday, June 2, 8:00pm-Midnight, National Cathedral
Please join us at the National Cathedral the evening of June 2, to commemorate National Gun Violence Awareness Day (also known as Wear Orange Day), honor those who have been killed or injured by gunfire and to reinforce the message that enough is enough.   The west façade of the Washington National Cathedral will be illuminated in orange from 8 pm to midnight for all to see.
 
The Wear Orange campaign began on June 2, 2015 in Chicago to honor Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old Chicago high school student killed in 2013 by gunfire one week after she performed at President Barack Obama's second inauguration.

To learn more visit WearOrange.org.
Concert to Benefit Bethesda Cares
Sunday, June 3, 7:00pm, Sanctuary
The Westmoreland Festival Chorus is partnering with the Great Noise Ensemble, Washington DC's preeminent ensemble dedicated to New Music, for a concert on Saturday June 3rd, which will raise funds for the local charity Bethesda Cares, Inc. The program will comprise music of living composers, including the premier of a new work, and will feature mezzo-soprano Lena Seikaly. Join both Armando Bayolo (GNE) and Alec Davis (WFC) on the podium as we explore aspects of human perspective, society, and time.
 
Program
  • Osvaldo Golijov: Ayre (2004)
  • Alec Davis: Ruminations on words by Charles Bernstein (2017)
  • Christopher Cerrone: The Branch Will Not Break (2015)
Youth Group Trip to Kings Dominion
Saturday, June 10 from 9am-9pm  
All youth grades 6-12 are welcome to come – parents welcome to help drive and chaperone Contact Alexis  for more information.  
Teacher Appreciation Breakfast
Sunday, June 11, 9:00am
This will be our last day of Church School for the schoolyear, and we will honor all of our teachers at a special Teacher Appreciation breakfast at 9 am in the Parlor and during the worship service.  

  (Note: Our end-of-year picnic is not on the 11th. We will have the picnic on June 18.)
The Equality March for Pride and Unity
Sunday, June 11, 10am-2pm, National Mall
The Equality March for Unity and Pride will take place the same day as the Capitol Pride Festival. Westmorelanders are encouraged to take part in the march and festival as a show of justice and solidarity with LGBTQ persons. Because this march is on a Sunday, we are exploring ways to connect marchers who will be on the Mall with those who are gathered here at Westmoreland. If you plan to take part in the Equality March, please email Tim Tutt at tim@westmorelanducc.org, so that we can arrange a Westmoreland meet up.
Picnic: Hello, Summer!  Farewell Alexis!
Sunday, June 18, 11:15am
We will welcome summer and bid farewell to Rev. Alexis Kassim on June 18. Alexis will preach in worship, and we will honor her during that time. After the service, the Board of Spiritual Formation is hosting our annual summer picnic celebration.
We'll provide the main course as well as drinks and cutlery. We ask you to please bring a dish to share :
  • Last Name A-G: dessert;
  • Last Name H-Z: side dish or salad
If you can help with set up, serving, clean up, or activities for our younger members, please contact Rev. Kassim (alexis@westmorelanducc.org).
 
            --The Board of Spiritual Formation
Peace Camp
June 19-23, 5-8pm
Peace Camp, our summer learning experience for elementary school-aged children, is scheduled for Monday through Friday, June 19-23, 2017, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. We begin each evening with a light supper, then move on to music, games, and arts and crafts, all aimed at helping children learn about cooperation and peacebuilding in a fun setting.


Summer on the Circle Begins
Sunday, June 25
During the summer we will have an abbreviated time of worship (10:00-10:40am) with classes for all ages (10:50-11:30am) from June 25 through July 30.
 
Look for more information about classes on transgender issues, music, architecture, and more.
May Children's Collection
The Human Rescue Alliance
The Washington Humane Society and the Washington Animal Rescue League have come together to form the Humane Rescue Alliance. This organization provides affordable medical services and adoption. They strive to protect and advocate for animals, and "support and celebrate people's love and compassion for them."
 
We will collect: 
  •  Towels (new or gently used),
  •  Pillow cases,
  •  Peanut butter,
  •  Cat food (wet)
 
VOLUNTEER NEEDED: We need a Westmorelander to deliver these donations at the end of the month.  Please contact Amy Prichard Tutt if you would like to volunteer. (amyptutt@yahoo.com)

Immigrants Welcome.org
 Want to be kept in the loop about UCC's refugee ministries? Sign up for their monthly newsletter here.
              
Want to take action on the justice issues you care about, including immigration and refugees? Join UCC's Justice and Peace Action Network (JPAN) here.
Want to help plan how Westmoreland will carry out our motion in Support of Extravagant Welcome to Immigrants and Refugees of All Faiths? Email Lori Mosher to get involved. 
Giving to Westmoreland
Look for information in the mail and via email about ways that you can support Westmoreland and our work in the world.
   
2017 Annual Giving
Gifts to support the ongoing life of our church -- music and worship, spiritual formation programs, fellowship events, staff salaries, and building maintenance. 
             
Capital Campaign
Gifts to our four-year campaign to build a new entrance, add a new elevator, add a gender neutral restroom, and an updated kitchen. 
 
Children's Collection
Items collect by our children in worship each Sunday to give to local helping groups.
 
Special Offerings
The five UCC offerings (plus our own outreach offering) that go across the country and around the world to meet needs.
Sermon Availability
 Be sure to visit the Westmoreland Sermon Archives to read or listen to past sermons. 

You can subscribe to the Westmoreland Sermons on iTunes Podcast!  Search for "Westmoreland Sermons" or click the icon below.

Sign Up to Host Coffee Hour
Coffee Hour is a time to welcome guests and to strengthen relationships within our church community. This ministry is vital to the life, spirit, and growth of our church. Beverages (coffee, tea, water, juice/lemonade) and tableware are provided by Westmoreland. Food is a welcome addition and is provided by Coffee Hour Host(s). Please sign up to host coffee hour (once per year is recommended) with your family or pair-up with another member of the church.
Donate Flowers for Worship
The flowers on the chancel add much beauty to our worship. Individuals or families may sign up for any given week to provide flowers with a dedication included in the Sunday bulletin.  Please contact Judy Fogt and let her know that you are interested.  The cost is $55. You can mail your check the church office or drop it in the collection plate with a notation that it is for chancel flowers.
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