Newsletter - St. Columba`s Episcopal Church

Newsletter
Vol. 57, No. 2
February 25, 2014
Faith in our Future:
Doing my Part
“As we continue to
pray, heal and listen
to one another and to
God, let us be gentle
with one another and
look forward with
hope.”
ST. COLUMBA’S
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
4201 Albemarle Street NW
Washington, DC 20016
202-363-4119
fax 202-686-2671
Columba.org
The Rt. Rev. Joe G. Burnett
Interim Rector
jburnett@columba.org
What a wonderful turnout at this
past week’s annual meeting! Over
300 parishioners came to the meeting and voted. On behalf of the
vestry and staff, I want to thank
all the saints and ministers of St.
Columba’s for your participation and
commitment to our beloved parish.
What follows is an edited version
of my remarks from the meeting…
This year the Annual Meeting is
also the kick-off of our 2014 stewardship campaign. We are excited
by the pledges that have already
come in—over $250K—without our
even asking. Our interim rector, Joe,
Lane and I wondered if perhaps
we should nickname this campaign
the sotto voce campaign. In fact,
the Stewardship committee came
up with a timely, resonant theme,
“Faith in our Future: Doing my Part.”
Building upon last year’s
“Foundation for the Future Capital
Campaign,” we now find ourselves
in a fertile time of transition—
preparing to search for our next
rector and the renovation of our
building, while exploring what God
is calling and sending us to do.
In his wonderful sermon on Jan.
26, Joe spoke about the summoned
life, a philosophy of “looking at life
as an unknowable landscape to be
explored, of wondering what our
circumstances are asking us to do.”
Or, as Christians, what God is asking
us to do. We are summoned to
have faith because life is unknowable
and unpredictable, because we are
not in charge.
ST. COLUMBA’S Newsletter n February 25, 2014
As in a recent Gospel of Matthew,
we are being asked to leave our
nets and boats, to follow Jesus.
We are asked to let go: to let go
of some of our treasure with the
promise that it will in fact be liberating; to let go of the pieces of
our past that do not help us move
forward and could be weighing
down our boat.
When Jesus asked Simon-Peter,
Andrew, James and John to let go
and follow him, he knew that they
would bring with them what was
most essential–their open hearts,
many gifts, and rich pieces of their
history that were not trapped in
their nets, but would sustain them
in their ministry going forward.
I have every confidence that in
the weeks ahead our wonderful and
thoughtful Rector Search Committee
(RSC) is going to help us do precisely that–to share our rich history
and identify what we need to carry
forward into our bright future, to
prepare for our shared ministry and
to welcome our next rector.
I also have every confidence
that our Stewardship committee
will inspire us all to let go of some
treasure.
As we continue to pray, heal and
listen to one another and to God,
let us be gentle with one another
and look forward with hope.
“Behold all things are become
new . . .”
n Jennifer Turner
seniorwarden@columba.org
1
ST. COLUMBA’S n Deep in Faith
ST. COLUMBA’S n Open in Spirit
Worship Services
Sundays
8 am Eucharist
A quiet, simple Eucharist with
homily and without music.
9 am Eucharist
In the church nave, with sermon,
choirs, hymns and the healing
rite. Child care is available for
children 3 and under, 8:45 am to
12:30 pm.
9:15 and 11:15 am Eucharist
for families with preschool children
In the Great Hall, with story-style
telling of the gospel and songs
children can sing.
10:15 am Education Hour
Sunday School, youth programs,
Sunday Forum, Bible study and
refreshments. (Coffee follows all
morning services.)
11:15 am Eucharist
In the church nave, with sermon,
St. Columba’s Singers choir,
hymns and the healing rite.
5 pm Eucharist
An evening Eucharist with candlelight and music.
(First Sundays: Live@5).
Weekdays (in the chapel)
Morning Prayer
8:45 am Mon. through Fri.
Eucharist
7 am Wed.; breakfast follows.
10 am Thurs., with the healing rite.
Holy Baptism
For information on baptismal
preparation and registration,
contact the Rev. Rose Duncan
(rduncan@columba.org;
202-363-4119, ext. 212) or
Pattie Ames (pames@columba.
org; ext. 222). Forms are due
six weeks prior to the date of
baptism. Upcoming dates: Mar.
2, 11:15 am (church nave); 11:15
am (Great Hall); April 19 (Easter
Vigil), 7 pm (church nave).
2
STEWARDSHIP 2014
INTERVIEW:
The Rt. Rev. Joe G. Burnett
Faith in our Future: Doing my Part
Here is the second installment of
our interview with our new Interim
Rector, the Rt. Rev. Joe Burnett …
A new calendar year often brings
renewed enthusiasm and a sense of
purpose. This year will be very significant in the life of St. Columba’s
as we call a new rector, make longdelayed capital improvements and
build a strong financial foundation
for our parish. We are fortunate
indeed to have such a
promising year before us,
as each of these endeavors
represents an opportunity to
benefit St. Columba’s in fundamental and lasting ways.
From now through
Commitment Sunday,
Mar. 2, you will hear about
the importance of pledging
your financial support to
St. Columba’s. In the spirit
of the new year and of new
beginnings for the parish,
and with gratitude for the
renewed engagement and
increased vitality that is
already apparent, the Stewardship committee would
like to offer a few insights
into the parish budget
that we hope will be useful
as you prayerfully consider your
pledge over the weeks to come:
Q: Joe, where does your story go
after graduation from high school?
I began Millsaps College in Jackson,
Mississippi in 1966, majoring in music
(voice), with plans to go on to seminary.
During college I served as a student
pastor on weekends in many rural
Mississippi Methodist congregations.
Yet it was the change in major to
political science that had an even
greater impact on my formation.
In the midst of the ferment of the
late 1960’s, I began to engage more
deeply with issues of social unrest,
racism, and discrimination.
Following graduation in 1970, I
entered Perkins School of Theology
at SMU in Dallas. Though I loved
theology, biblical studies and ethics,
I was much less able to see myself as
a Methodist parish pastor. I realized
that I was in “going into the family
business” without serious vocational
discernment. After only one semester
I took a leave of absence for a year
to work in a secular job and seek
further vocational clarity.
I was still drawn to seminary, but
with academic interests uppermost.
I was also increasingly drawn to the
Episcopal Church and its liturgy and
music, and progressive theological
and social perspectives. Soon after
returning to Perkins at SMU, I made
the decision to be confirmed and seek
ordination in the Episcopal Church.
After graduation in 1974 I was
ordained deacon and priest, and
served happily in parishes for 25 years
in the diocese of Mississippi. My
passion for liturgy and music continued,
and I developed new interests in
evangelism, church development,
and pastoral theological education,
exploring these in a doctor of ministry
program, graduating in 1985.
In 1999 I accepted
a faculty position
in Pastoral Theology
at the University of
the South, where I
taught for four years in the masters
and the doctor of ministry programs.
Late in 2002, I was invited into an
episcopal search process in Nebraska.
In May 2003 —to my great surprise—
they elected me as their bishop.
While bishop of Nebraska I shared
involvement with many exciting
initiatives, including re-visioning our
ordination process and training for
baptismal ministry; becoming a
founding member of the Omaha
Tri-Faith Initiative; and establishing
mission partnerships with the
dioceses of the Dominican Republic
and Twic East in Sudan. During
this time Presiding Bishop Frank
Griswold appointed me a member
of the House of Bishops Theology
Committee, which I continue to chair.
After eight years, I accepted the
Rt. Rev. Eugene Sutton’s invitation to
become his full time assistant bishop
in 2011. In my three years there, the
diocese of Maryland offered yet
another challenging learning curve,
being smaller geographically than
Nebraska, but with a much larger
staff, and more parishes and members.
Near the end of my time there, it
was Bishop Sutton who also urged
me to consider St. Columba’s call
for interim rector. I feel profoundly
blessed to be here in such a vibrant
and energetic parish, working with
very talented clergy and lay staff
members, gifted and committed
wardens and vestry members, and a
host of wonderful lay members and
leaders. I look forward to the work we
will do, and the common life we will
share during these coming months of
transition and growth.
n The Rt. Rev. Joe Burnett
jburnett@columba.org
ST. COLUMBA’S n 202-363-4119 n Columba.org
• St. Columba’s—the largest parish
in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington—has not been supporting
its operating budget adequately.
All operating expenses of the
parish depend on pledges, and
the number of pledging families
has decreased in recent years.
Nonetheless, if every family that
pledged in 2013 were to increase
its pledge by $3 per day, St.
Columba’s would raise over half
a million dollars, eliminating the
deficit entirely.
• St. Columba’s historically has
been a leader in founding and
funding outreach programs that
serve the needs of many in our
community. In recent years, we
have significantly decreased our
support for these programs, and
our Outreach Ministry generally,
due to budget shortfalls. Our
clergy and staff have worked
Diocese—an important marker
of financial health—have fallen
significantly below historic and
expected levels. The Diocese
asks that we contribute one-tenth
of our revenues each year, but
we are able to give less than half
that amount. Bishop Mariann
has given St. Columba’s
her personal support in
important ways, and she
deserves our support.
This year offers a new
chance for us to invest
in our collective future,
spiritually, financially, and
in every way we are able.
Each of us is summoned
STEWARDSHIP 2014
to do our part. We can
be active members who
bring our abundance and
our enthusiasm to St.
Columba’s and who give of
ourselves readily and generously. As you consider
your pledge for 2014, know
that your contribution is
essential. We thank those
who have already given to
this year’s campaign and
hard to be frugal and creative
ask those who have not to join us
stewards with parish resources,
as we move toward Commitment
but limited funds have necesSunday—full of faith, full of optisitated expense reductions in
mism and full of the spirit of Christ.
many areas. The budgets for our
enriching music program, our
n Peace and Blessings,
vibrant Youth Ministry, and our
The Stewardship Committee
burgeoning Children’s Ministry
Suzanne Burrows, Chair
have decreased by 50% over the
Bob and Lucy Bremner
last decade.
Alice Gregal
Prentiss Lay
• St. Columba’s does not receive
Laura McIntosh
financial subsidies from the DioJohn Nolan
cese; rather, the Diocese relies
Liz Weatherly
upon St. Columba’s and other
Lisa Whelan
parishes to fund its operations.
A strong financial structure is
stewardship@columba.org
a crucial element in attracting
excellent candidates for rector,
yet our contributions to the
t
r
a
y
g
P
n
m
Doi
ST. COLUMBA’S Newsletter n February 25, 2014
3
ST. COLUMBA’S n Rich in Worship
ST. COLUMBA’S n Rich in Worship
Lent begins March 5th
Lenten Day of Reflection, Mar. 8
SHROVE TUESDAY, MAR. 4
WAYNE C. FOWLER
WAYNE C. FOWLER
Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler!
Join us from 5:30 to 8 pm on Tues.,
Mar. 4th for a Mardi Gras Party in
the Great Hall. Don your beads and
feathered mask for one last night
of reveling before the season of
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Will
you find the baby in the king cake?
Pancakes as well as traditional
Mardi Gras fare will be paired with
festive beverages. $15 adult/youth
payable at the door by check or
cash. To RSVP and/or volunteer:
http://www.signupgenius.com/
go/4090C4BA8A72E5-laissez.
Rite 13 youth will host Mardi Gras
crafts and carnival games on the second floor from 5:30-6:45 pm. Game/
craft tickets 2/$1.00. Proceeds will
support Rite 13 ministries.
ASH WEDNESDAY, MAR. 5
Ash Wednesday Eucharist with
the imposition of ashes at 7 am,
noon and 7 pm. Supper is available
before the 7 pm service (5:30 to
6:45 pm) and child care is available
for the 7 pm service.
Ash Wednesday service for children, 5 pm. A brief service of
prayers and the imposition of
ashes, planned to help children
mark the beginning of Lent.
Please note: There is no Columba
Kids on Ash Wednesday.
4
Simple Ash Wednesday supper,
5:30 to 6:45 pm in the Great Hall.
$12/adult or youth (over age 12);
$8/senior; $6/child (ages 4 to 12);
free for children 3 and under. The
Lent/Easter Booklets will be available for children ages 3-8 in the
Common and in the Great Hall.
Saturday, March 8
9 am to 3 pm
Retreat Leaders
Dr. Kathleen Henderson Staudt, poet, theologian and spiritual director.
Dr. Ray Glover, musician, liturgist and general editor of The Hymnal 1982.
Mon. through Thurs., 7 am,
Eucharist with homilies by parishioners
and clergy (Mar. 6–Apr. 16).
Join a Book Study Group For Lent!
For many years now it has been our
custom at St. C’s to read a book
together during Lent, and to gather
in small study groups to discuss it.
These books have ranged over many
topics in the past. This year we want
to focus directly on the Christian
faith journey and the stories about it.
Finding God: A Treasury of
Conversion Stories written by John
M. Mulder, ed., Eerdmans, 2012.
This Nautilus Book Award Winner
is a compelling collection of faith
stories from historical records and
modern interviews, which span
2000 years of Christian faith and
history. Some of these names you
may expect to find in this kind of
collection (e.g. Paul, Augustine,
Martin Luther, John Wesley), others
you might not (e.g. Sojourner Truth,
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Dorothy
Praying With Our
Lenten Hymns
The words of many of our most beloved Lenten hymns can open up
new dimensions of the mysteries of our faith, if only we pause to pay
attention. Join us for this Lenten Day of Reflection as we enter a time of
prayer, meditation, reflection and quiet, drawing on both the words and
the music of both new and familiar hymns of the season.
WEEKDAY SERVICES IN LENT
LENTEN STUDY GROUPS
WHEN I SURVEY THE
WONDROUS CROSS
Day and Bono). There is much to
ponder and discuss in these 160
short accounts of lives of faith and
struggle. Our parish bookstore
currently has copies for sale.
There is something about the
power of telling a good story that
continues to grasp the human
imagination. Our minds are wired
for narrative; it is the primary way
we shape our memories, our
identities and our histories.
We encourage you to invite others!
There is no cost for the program, however, lunch will be provided at a
cost of $15 (collected at the lunch hour).
This is true for individuals as well as
for communities.
Lent challenges each of us to
consider our own journey of faith;
where we have been and where
we want to be going. One of the
great gifts of a church is that we
can share and support each other’s
faith journey. Toward that end,
several parishioners will be hosting
small book study groups throughout the season of Lent. These will
be sprinkled throughout the area
on different days of the week and
at different times. If you are interested in joining one, please contact
the Rev. Peter Antoci (pantoci@
columba.org, 202-742-1677).
Every good story has a
turning point. This Lent,
discover yours ...
ST. COLUMBA’S n 202-363-4119 n Columba.org
Schedule
9:00 Welcome and Introductions (Great Hall)
9:15 Morning Prayer (Great Hall)
9:30 Opening Reflection (Great Hall)
10-11:30
Retreat Time Options:
• Musical Meditation (church nave)
• Silence (church nave, the Library, Rm 202)
• Group discussion (Great Hall)
11:45 Noonday Prayer (Great Hall)
12:00 Lunch (the Common)
12:45 Second Reflection (Great Hall)
1:15-2:30
Retreat Time Options:
• Musical Meditation (church nave)
• Silence (church nave, the Library, Rm 202)
• Group discussion (Great Hall)
2:30 Concluding Eucharist (church nave)
Adult Formation:
Courses of Faith
and Spirit
Be sure to sign up for our upcoming
Lenten Adult Formation: Courses
in faith and spirit. Register online
on the Adult Formation webpage
@ Columba.org.
Session IV: Feb. 19-Mar. 26
• Commitment and Faith
(Continuing)
The Rev. Rose Duncan
• Listening for God in Your Daily
Life (Continuing)
Terry Dowd and Chris Schumann
and team
• Theology In Bloom: A Flower
Guild Course
Bill Riggs and the Flower Guild
team
• Parish Lenten Book Study
Groups: Finding God – A Treasury
of Conversion Stories
Session V Courses: Apr. 2-May 7
• Poetry and the Life of the Spirit
The Rev. Martin Smith
• Personality and Leadership:
Spiritual Gifts in the Body of Christ
Imani Dhakiya, J.D., M.Div.
• Reading the Bible: Approaches to
the Text
The Rev. Dr. Peter Antoci
• Living in God’s House:
Green Gardening
Kate McLynn, Director
Green School Initiative
For additional information or help
with registration, contact the Rev.
Peter Antoci (pantoci@columba.
org)
Please contact the Rev. Peter Antoci (202-363-4119, ext. 243; pantoci@
columba.org) with questions.
To register online or download a flyer (PDF) for this Day of Reflection, visit
Adult Formation webpage @ Columba.org.
ST. COLUMBA’S Newsletter n February 25, 2014
5
ST. COLUMBA’S n Active in Service
ST. COLUMBA’S n Deep in Faith
Report from the 2014 EDOW Convention
Calendar
Feb. 23
The Search for our Next Rector:
The Rector Search Committee (RSC)
will present information about the
search process, including the role
and responsibilities of the committee
and entire parish community.
“Raising Your Challenging Child”
meets 10 Thursday nights (starting Feb 6): Join us Feb. 27; March
13, 20, 27; April 3, 10, 24, from
7:30 – 9 pm in the St. C’s Nursery
School Library
St. Columba’s is sponsoring a
10-week, “pay what you can”
Parent Group Training with Dan
Shapiro, M.D., developmental
and behavioral pediatrician. This
10-session program gives helpful
strategies for dealing with children’s
challenging behaviors. To learn
more and to register, visit “Upcoming
Events” @ Columba.org.
Mar. 2
Listening to the Journey:
Awakening the Divine Listener Within
Imani Dhakiya
Mar. 9
Lenten Series:
The Resources of our Parish Library
Led by Library Ministry members
Mar. 16
Lenten Series:
The Scriptures of Lent
The Rev. Dr. Peter Antoci
Mar. 23
Lenten Series: The Music of Lent
John Hurd, Director of Music
Mar. 30
Lenten Series: A Lenten Reflection
The Rt. Rev. Joseph Burnett
April 6
Lenten Series:
The Journey of Holy Week
The Rev. Dr. Rose Duncan
April 27
The Search for our Next Rector:
An Update from the RSC
May 4
The Incarnation: Stale Dogma or
Revelation that Changes Everything
The Rev. Martin Smith
May 11
Youth Ministry in the Diocese of
Washington
Iman Green, Diocesan Missioner
May 18
Art & Spirituality
Dr. Deborah Sokolove
Luce Center for the Arts and Religion
6
Newcomer Social
Fri., Feb. 28, at 6 pm in the Common
Are you new to St. Columba’s?
Please join our clergy, staff
and members of the vestry for
conversation, wine and hors d’oeuvres.
RSVP to Serena Wille
(welcometeam@columba.org)
by Fri., Feb. 28. Advance notice is
requested.
Commitment Sunday
Sun., Mar. 2
Be sure to submit your stewardship
pledge.
J2A Fundraising: Chili Cook-off
Sun., March 2 (following Live@5)
Tickets for the J2A Chili Cook-off
are on sale in the Common. The
price is $15/adult or $10/child (age
6 to 12). Proceeds from this event
will help offset the cost of J2A.
Shrove Tuesday:
Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler!
Tues., Mar. 4, at 5:30 pm in the
Great Hall
Join us at for a Mardi Gras Party!
We are expanding the party this
year and inviting the whole parish
for grown-up Mardi Gras fare in
addition to traditional pancakes:
$15/adult or youth (over age 12);
$12/senior; $6/child (age 4 to 12).
Adults and children are invited to
don beads and feathered masks for
one last night of reveling before
the season of Lent begins. Please
visit tinyurl.com/StCMardiGrasParty to RSVP and/or volunteer.
Questions? Contact Prentiss Lay
(prentiss.lay@gmail.com).
Ash Wednesday, March 5
Ash Wednesday services are as
follows:
Eucharist, 7 am, noon and 7 pm,
Church Nave. With the imposition
of the ashes.
Eucharist for Children, 5 pm,
Church Nave. A brief service of
prayers and the imposition of
ashes, designed to help children
mark the beginning of Lent.
Supper, 5:30–6:45 pm, Great Hall.
$12/adult or youth (over age 12);
$8/senior, $6/child (ages 4 to 12),
free for children 3 and under.
Lent Day of Reflection
Sat., Mar. 8 from 9 am-3 pm
Join us on Lenten Day of Reflection as
we enter a time of prayer, meditation, reflection and quiet, drawing
on both the words and the music of
both new and familiar hymns of the
season. Registration is appreciated
but not required, and lunch will
be provided for $15. Please see
“Upcoming Events” @ Columba.
org to register online, or contact
the Rev. Peter Antoci (pantoci@
columba.org; 202-363-4119, ext.
243) with questions.
A Friendly Reminder ...
The St. Columba’s parking lot
is reserved for staff use during
the week; all others are asked
to park on the street. Thank
you for your cooperation!
ST. COLUMBA’S n 202-363-4119 n Columba.org
The 119th Convention of the
convention business and worship.
General Convention; reviewing
Episcopal Diocese of Washington
This year’s learning opportunities
and accepting the annual budget
(EDOW), held on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1,
included a keynote presentation by
of the diocese; and debating and
brought together clergy and laity
the Rev. Jay Sidebotham on the work
voting on resolutions. This year
from all parts of our diocese: the
he is doing as director of Renewaldelegates passed two resolutions on
District and the Maryland counties
Works (www.renewalworks.org).
key topics. The first established a
of Montgomery, Prince
task force to study the
George’s, Charles and
advantages and ramiSt. Mary’s.
fications of adopting
Each of the 88 parishes
a policy of sustainin the diocese sends at
able and responsible
least one lay delegate
investment (SRI) for all
to Convention; larger
diocesan investments.
parishes send more.
The second established
St. Columba’s has five
a task force to develop
delegates: Ann Loikow,
a comprehensive plan
Deborah Kennedy
for maintaining and
Coster, Mark Lindblom,
expanding campus
Sylvana Sandoz and
ministries. (You can ask
Krishna Singho. Two
a member of our clergy
alternates, Sue Walters
if you are interested in
and Lois Hermann, also
getting involved.)
attend and vote if one
Worship took place
of the regular delegates
several times each day,
is absent. All of St. C’s
providing a sense of
St. Columba’s was proudly represented at the 2014 Diocesan Convention
with the Rev. Rose Duncan and the Rev. Rob Boulter helping to lead the
clergy were in attenunity and a reminder
Saturday morning worship. (From left to right: Rose Duncan, Rob Boulter,
dance as well.
of the real reason that
This year’s Convention Fernando Ma and Kent Marcoux)
all of us were there.
theme was “Behold, I am
The Friday night
making all things new”
RenewalWorks provides a strucEucharist was a most joyous event
(Revelation 21:5), and the first new
tured series of activities that
featuring singers drawn from choirs
thing was the meeting location.
enables a parish to examine the
across the diocese (with strong
Instead of gathering as usual at
relationship between its spiritual
representation by the blue robe
Washington National Cathedral,
vitality and the spiritual vitality
crew). In her sermon that evening,
convention-goers traveled to
of its individual members. Other
Bishop Mariann focused on the
Reid Temple African Methodist
learning options included workshops
relationship between individual
Episcopal Church in Glenn Dale,
on various forms of outreach and
and corporate spiritual life, noting
Maryland, which has space for
spiritual expression; information
that growth in both takes place “in
small group meetings and worktables provided by various ministry
stages.” She also observed that
shops, a fellowship hall for meals,
groups in the diocese; and opporturecent studies have demonstrated
and ample space for the full gathnities to talk with members of other
the connection between deep
ering in its 3000+ seat sanctuary.
parishes. Convention delegates are
spirituality and regular reading of
For a short history lesson on the
tasked to participate in these and
Scripture.
AME Church and its relationship to
then bring them back to their parDetails of all Convention activities
the Episcopal Church, read Bishop
ishes, so don’t hesitate to ask one
are available on the diocesan webMariann’s blog post “Friends From
of us about what we learned!
site at www.edow.org/convention.
Way Back” at www.edow.org.
Convention business includes
Led by Bishop Mariann, the
electing clerical and lay repren Deborah Kennedy Coster
convention carries out three kinds
sentatives to diocesan offices,
kennedycoster@verizon.net
of activities: learning opportunities,
including representatives to the
ARACELI MA
Sunday Forums
ST. COLUMBA’S Newsletter n February 25, 2014
7
ST. COLUMBA’S n Active in Service
ST. COLUMBA’S n Open in Spirit
St. C’s: Rebuilding Together for 30 years
St. Columba’s: A Green Parish
day with Rebuilding Together. I am
not sure I would have done it without
the SCAP requirement. Sometimes
all we need is a little push. Fulfilling
this requirement has led to remark-
we have, the more we can accomplish.
Look for signups in March or email me
with your interest or questions.
n Ryan McNavage
rebuildingtogether@columba.org
Environmental Film Festival Coming – Again!
As global warming and environmental degradation increasingly
occupy the headlines, the role that
our funeral and burial practices play
in these matters has gone largely
unaddressed. What if our final act
could be a gift to the planet–a force
for regeneration? As a host venue for
the 22nd annual Environmental Film
Festival in the Nation’s Capital, St.
Columba’s will present a unique film,
“A Will for the Woods,” that tackles
these issues. The film will be shown
on Fri., Mar. 21, at 7:30 pm in the
Great Hall.
The typical American funeral is
incredibly resource-intensive. In the
U.S. alone, approximately 33 million
board feet of mostly virgin wood,
60,000 tons of steel (in caskets), 1.6
million tons of reinforced concrete
and 5 million gallons of toxic embalming fluid are put into the ground
8
every year. The large tracts of land
that conventional cemeteries occupy
are covered in turf grass in need of
constant maintenance in the form
of mowing, watering and chemical
application. Cremation, a somewhat
greener alternative to conventional
burial, still consumes a large amount
of fossil and other fuels, and releases
particulate pollution, CO2 and toxins
such as dioxins, furans and mercury
into the atmosphere.
“A Will for the Woods” follows
Dr. Clark Wang as he battles against
lymphoma while thoughtfully plan-
• Rector Search committee
co-chairs Rick Dulaney and Patty
Jensen updated the vestry on
the recent retreat of the Rector
Search Committee (RSC).
• The vestry’s “charge” to the RSC
was discussed, with agreement
that some language be modified
for clarity.
KATHLEEN DEIDRE MCLYNN
Mark Twain
At the vestry’s December 2013
meeting:
are jobs for every skill level, from
organizing tools to installing countertops. We rely on St. Columbans to
volunteer and many are needed.
Come volunteer with us on Apr. 12
and/or Apr. 26. The more volunteers
RiverSmart Schools is a District Department of the Environment (DDOE) program for
grant recipients to turn their schoolyards into Schoolyard Conservation Sites. This
new stream in the St. Columba’s playground is wonderful for children’s play, while
managing rain water from our roof and courtyard. Come and find out how it works!
KATHLEEN DEIDRE MCLYNN
”Twenty years from now you
will be more disappointed by
the things that you didn’t do
than by the ones you did do.
So throw off the bowlines.
Sail away from the safe
harbor.”
able things. I have truly seen the good
in our church community–from the
tired satisfaction of volunteers after a
long, hard day of work, to the reward
of a homeowner crying with joy at
the sight of their rehabilitated home.
St. Columba’s has been part of the
foundation of Rebuilding Together
of DC, providing support for over
30 years. We have worked on many
houses over the years, some needing
cleaning and painting, and others
major repairs (like a new kitchen)
to keep the homeowners safe and
warm in their homes.
Every house has its own challenges.
Sometimes it is the project itself,
and other times it is the neighbors,
or even the homeowners. This year’s
project has the usual assortment of
issues from painting and electrical,
to carpentry and cleaning. There
RYAN MCNAVAGE
A few years ago, I signed up to
volunteer with Rebuilding Together
as part of my involvement with
St. Columba’s Appalachia Project
(SCAP). It is a requirement of SCAP
(young and old alike), to work one
Vestry Notes
ning his funeral with his loved ones.
Determined that his last act should
not harm the environment but rather
help protect it, Clark discovers the
green burial movement. “A Will for
the Woods” is an immersive, lifeaffirming, beautifully filmed depiction
of one family coming to terms with
mortality by embracing their connection to timeless natural cycles. If you
think you might die some day, you
should see this film! Far from being
morbid or dark, it’s a glorious and
loving celebration of a life well-lived,
and an acknowledgement of death as
part of life.
Save the date! Contact Jeanne
McCann (jeannemccann@gmail.com)
or any member of the Environment
Committee for details and to help
with the screening.
n Jeanne McCann
jeanne.mccann@gmail.com
ST. COLUMBA’S n 202-363-4119 n Columba.org
• Nominating committee chairs
Courtney Hundley and Fletcher
Jones presented the candidates
for vestry, diocesan delegate
and alternate delegate.
• The Capital Campaign working
group’s function and makeup
was discussed. The working
group will take into account
campaign priorities and cash
flow, make recommendations to
the vestry and provide feedback
to the parish.
• Treasurer Gardell Gefke presented
options for dealing with the
church’s $950,000 debt due
March 2016.
• Stewardship chair Suzanne
Burrows shared plans for 2014
campaign “Faith in our Future:
Doing my Part.”
St. C’s preschool children are
filling a drainage trench with
gravel as part of building
our RiverSmart Schoolyard
Conservation site. The drain
will intercept rain water and
divert it to our stream and
cisterns, reducing erosion
and pollution, and keeping it
out of our neighbors’ yards.
Send any questions you may
have to Kate McLynn (kd.
mclynn@gmail.com)
ST. COLUMBA’S Newsletter n February 25, 2014
• Governance chair Elizabeth
Taylor presented an update on
revisions to the bylaws.
Need a Prayer?
If you would like to receive
a daily prayer (from the
Rev. Peter Antoci in our
adult formation office),
please sign up at:
pantoci@columba.org.
9
ST. COLUMBA’S n Open in Spirit
The Roots of Morality: Origins of Good and Evil
ST. COLUMBA’S DIARY
10
PRISCILLA ALEXANDER
“Golden Rule” as their cognitive
skills and social-emotional readiness
develop—usually some time after
the third birthday. And children can
wrestle with right and wrong, wonder
about more existential matters,
and find guidance here at school.
By reinforcing values that families
teach at home, teachers can help
children acquire a strong moral
compass.
Beyond moral development,
there are other fascinating aspects
of children’s spiritual journeys
including having faith, religious
formation and spirituality. If these
topic interests you, or if there is a
young person in your life whose
spiritual development you’d like
to understand better, you might
also enjoy reading James Fowler’s
Stages of Faith: The Psychology
of Human Development and the
Quest for Meaning, and Catherine
Stonehouse’s lovely book, Joining
Children on the Spiritual Journey:
Nurturing a Life of Faith.
n Julia Berry
jberry@columba.org
ST. COLUMBA’S n 202-363-4119 n Columba.org
n Welcome those who have
completed newcomer cards:
Melanie Aitken, David Meyer,
Thomas Meyer and Jake Lacobucci
D.C.; Virginia Grace and Eli Cohen,
D.C.; Margaret and Robert Edmunds,
D.C.; Austin, Jennifer and John
Flajser, Chevy Chase, MD; Laura
and Perry Hubbard, D.C.; Jake
Lacobucci, D.C.; Sally Levie, D.C.;
Lindsay and Jason Mannix, D.C.;
David Meyer and Thomas Meyer,
D.C.; Ann, Richard (Dutch) and
Lasisa Miller, D.C.; Todd, Kim, Laurel
and Anne Noreuilk, Bethesda, MD;
Anne Paterno, D.C.; Alexander
Posner, Silver Spring, MD; Elbert
Ventura, Heather Klemick and
Penelope Ventura, D.C.
n Welcome new members:
Kaitlin Engesser, Eric Anderson
and Livia Anderson, D.C.; Elizabeth,
Kevin, Charlotte, John and Sally
Kiernan, D.C.; Williard Saunders,
D.C.; Jonathan and Blair Staunton,
D.C.
“Vision Boarding” at the St. Columba’s Mothers’ Group Retreat
The St. C’s Mothers’ Group held a Winter Retreat on Sat., Feb. 10. Led by Pleasance
Silicki of Lil’ Omm Yoga, 23 moms came together for a full day of reflection, nourishment and restorative yoga, followed by a Mothers’ Eucharist in the Chapel and dinner.
n Welcome new transfers: Willard
Sanders from St. Alban’s Parish, DC;
William Grote from Church of the
Redeemer, Bethesda, MD; Perry
Hubbard from Trinity Church, New
Orleans, LA; Elisabeth Van Order
from St. John’s Church, Fayetteville,
NC; Sally Levie from Washington
National Cathedral, D.C.
BARBARA MCGOWAN
In Just Babies,
Bloom makes it
clear that it is not
enough that we
are born to prefer
good, or that we
feel for others in
need or distress.
It is up to our
parents and society
(our “moral
circles”) to help
mold our drive to
act on empathic
and compassionate feelings and
to develop a
sense of justice.
One particularly
interesting chapter discusses how
family, clan, tribe and institutions
influence moral development, and
how great books and some TV
programs have helped to broaden
American perspectives on such things
as race (think “The Cosby Show”) and
gay culture (like “Modern Family”).
Happily, teaching in a faith-based
setting like St. Columba’s gives us
many opportunities to talk with
children about
how people
ought to live
their lives—
being kind and
honest, doing
good for others,
and believing
that God loves
us and wants us
to make brave
choices that are
right for ourselves
and for the world.
Teachers can
actively guide
children on how
to apply the
NURSERY SCHOOL STAFF
A 14-month-old sits on her mother’s
lap watching a puppet trying unsuccessfully to open a clear plastic box
containing a colorful toy. Red shirt
puppet appears and helps the puppet open the box and remove the
toy. In act two, green shirt puppet
comes out and slams the box shut.
Afterward, green shirt and red shirt
are given a special treat. Without
hesitation, the child takes the treat
away from green shirt and gives it
to red shirt.
Over the past several months I’ve
been reading and learning about
children’s moral and spiritual development. A book I found particularly
interesting and readable is Paul
Bloom’s new book, Just Babies: The
Origins of Good and Evil. Bloom,
a professor of psychology and
cognitive science at Yale, is married
to Dr. Karen Wynn director of the
Yale Infant Cognition Center whose
puppet shows and other experiments demonstrate babies’ inborn
inclination to prefer “good guys,”
as well as a natural bent toward
both compassion and empathy.
Transitions
KRISTI MAY GUNSTER
ST. COLUMBA’S n Deep in Faith
Channel 4 visits the St. C’s Nursery School Explorers Group
What does love mean to you on Valentine’s Day? This was just one of the questions
posed by reporter Barbara Harrison of NBC4 Washington when she recently visited
the St. Columba's Nursery School, surveying our youngsters on this all-important
holiday. See the interview at: www.nbcwashington.com, by searching on “St.
Columba."
ST. COLUMBA’S Newsletter n February 25, 2014
n Pray for the souls of those who
have died: Philip Thomas, Jan.
7; Bill Broeksmit, brother of Bob
Broeksmit and Sam Broeksmit, Jan.
25; Alec Armbrister, stepson of
Judy Armbrister; Spencer M. Rice,
Priest of the Church, Jan. 15;
Warren Reynolds, Jan. 19; David
Ethan Klancnik, grandnephew of
Polly Larson, Jan. 29.
Continues on page 12
11
Periodical Postage
Paid at Washington DC
A WELCOMING
CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
THAT SEEKS TO BE
OPEN IN SPIRIT,
DEEP IN FAITH,
RICH IN WORSHIP,
Mailed February 25: Dated material. Please deliver promptly.
ACTIVE IN SERVICE.
St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, 4201 Albemarle Street NW, Washington, DC 20016
Transitions
Thanksgivings
Continued from page 11
n Rejoice with: Joan Miranowski
for the birth of grandson, John
Thomas Miranowski, Dec. 26; with
Mary Lou Shannon for the birth of
twin grandsons, Finn Everett and
Emil Ola; with Gail and Mark Lynch
for the birth of granddaughter, Noelle
Margaret Lynch, Jan. 6; with Simone
Krembs and Mike Freund for the birth
of Lachlan Innes Freund, Feb. 6.
n Let us pray for our parish and the
Rector Search Committee, that during
this time of discernment and transition,
we may grow more deeply in spirit,
faith, worship and service.
... For the 32 families and 38
children participating in “Coming
to Communion,” a home-based
educational program on the
Eucharist. It is an opportunity for
primary age children (first and
March Issue
Look for a
interview with
the Rev. Rob
Boulter on his
new workbook,
Preparing an
Episcopal Funeral.
From The Rev.
Margaret Guenther’s review: “How
do we celebrate a life, even as we
grieve the inevitable passing of a
beloved? Rob Boulter’s Preparing
an Episcopal Funeral is a valuable
resource for us all–concise and
profoundly useful in preparing
for that service of farewell and
celebration but also a thoughtprovoking invitation to reflection for
all on the meaning of life and death.”
12
important city-wide Episcopal
social-service agency, and we also
congratulate him for completing 12
years as a volunteer resume-writer
for Samaritan Ministry’s homeless
participants.
From Tom Bauder, parishioner
... For our bread bakers who have
provided our freshly baked com-
second grade) and their parents to
learn more about the sacrament
of the Eucharist. On Sunday, April
6, the children will present their
completed workbooks during the
9 am church service. The books will
be blessed and remain on the altar
during the Eucharist as a symbol of
the children’s gift to God.
munion breads each week. Many
thanks to those individuals and
families who have served our parish
so well.
... For our housekeeping staff and
those responsible for clearing snow
who have kept our walks and steps
clear, and our staff and parishioners
safe.
Submit your ...
... For our long-time parishioner
Phil Graham who has completed
his two-year term representing St.
Columba’s on the Board of Directors of Samaritan Ministry. We
thank Phil for his service to this
Thanksgivings, news article
ideas or pictures to Barbara
McGowan (bmcgowan@
columba.org). Deadline for
March issue is March 13.
ST. COLUMBA’S n 202-363-4119 n Columba.org