The Online Newsletter for Foundry United Methodist Church

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July and August 2008
In This Issue
 
   

Stanley Thurston Becomes Foundry's Director of Music
Announcement by Dean Snyder

I am happy to announce that Stanley Thurston has accepted our offer to become our Director of Music.

I am very grateful to our search committee, to Paul Hazen and David Kidwell-Slak who provided strong leadership for the committee, to SPRC and its chair Paula Blair , to our consultants Vivian McCarthy of the Baltimore-Washington Conference and Douglas Beck of Virginia Theological Seminary, to our choirs and to all those who participated in interviews and auditions.

I am grateful to all of the candidates for this position. We were blessed with excellent candidates. I am especially grateful to Stanley for his gifted service as an interim director and for his patience and commitment during the search process. 

I remain awed by the dedication of our choirs and leaders to continuing Foundry's tradition of a quality music program and appreciate your embrace of Stanley .

I believe that we have a very exciting future ahead of us in our worship life together. Stanley will continue to help us to grow musically and spiritually. We have asked Stanley not only to lead us in the ministry of music but to challenge us to reach new heights of the beauty and community that music enables. 

I ask you to recommit yourself with me to joining in and leading worship that brings us into the presence of the transcendent God, that puts voice to our praise and our lament, that encourages and challenges, and that feeds and renews our commitment to justice and service.   

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Summer in the City Guest Preacher Series
From Dean Snyder

I am proud to present to you our second annual “Summer in the City” guest preacher series. As a worshipping community, this series brings us:

  • Renowned and gifted national and local preachers
  • A broader and diverse church perspective
  • Prophetic voices of our time

Last year we introduced this exciting innovation to our summer worship program when we were privileged to hear from Rev. Dr. Robert Hill and Rev. Tiffany Steinwert, both from the Boston area.

This year we have both expanded and localized our geographic draw – from New York City and Dallas, as well as two local preachers. We are pleased to have with us the following preachers:

Rev. Stephen Bauman
Senior Minister, Christ Church , New York City
Sunday, July 6

“Riding the Limited Express”
Scripture: Mark 8: 31-38

 The Reverend Stephen Bauman, Senior Minister of Christ Church, United Methodist, New York City, is a graduate of Yale Divinity School and the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, and now a PhD candidate in Leadership and Change at Antioch University. 

His recent book, Simple Truths: on Values, Civility and Our Common Good was a featured selection of Abingdon Press.  About the book Dan Rather has written: “A treasure trove about things that matter.”  Mr. Bauman is a popular commentator on WCBS News Radio and has hosted a television program featuring inter-religious conversation. 

Active within the wider New York City environs, he is a founding member of A Partnership of Faith, a consortium of senior leaders from Jewish, Muslim and Christian traditions, and he has a decade of service on the boards of Outward Bound, The Town School, the Foundation for Community Encouragement (an international educational foundation), and the Board of Yale Divinity School.  Rev. Bauman has also served as adjunct faculty at Auburn Theological Seminary and Drew Theological Seminary and has been published in several journals. 

Rev. Dr. Christine Wiley
Co-Pastor, Covenant Baptist Church, Washington DC
Sunday, July 13

“Other Folks and Strangers”
Scripture: John 10: 16

 The Reverend Dr. Christine Y. Wiley serves with her husband, Dr. Dennis W. Wiley, at the Covenant Baptist Church in Washington, DC.

Dr. Wiley is a Fellow of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and has been able to use her mental health background in various creative ministry initiatives and pastoral care modalities. As pastor, Dr. Wiley is very involved in the Washington, DC, community. She serves as a member of the Strategy Leadership Team of the Washington Interfaith Network.

Rev. Wiley received the Doctor of Ministry Degree in Pastoral Counseling and Psychotherapy in 1994 from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. She has served as the Coordinator of Field Education and Instructor in Pastoral Care and Counseling at the Wesley Theological Seminary and currently serves as Director of Field Education the Howard University Divinity School.

Rev. Wiley was licensed to the gospel ministry in 1983, and ordained in 1986. She is one who once was “lost, but now is found,” and has dedicated her life to be continually transformed so that she might be used to help others avail themselves to the transforming power of God.

In addition to her husband, the loves of her life include her children Aiyana, Samira and Joshua, and her four grandchildren Asante, Akaiya, Akina, and Addae.

Rev. Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr.
Retired Pastor; St. Luke Community UMC , Dallas , Texas
Sunday, July 20

“Do We Look Like Our Picture?”
Scripture: Acts 1: 3-8 & 2: 1-4

 Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr. is Pastor Emeritus of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, where he served for 28 years. He was Adjunct Professor of Preaching at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University for 24 years.

Known as much for his community activism as his preaching and teaching, Dr. Holmes was elected to the Texas House of Representatives from 1968-1972, while he also served as a United Methodist District Superintendent.

He is the author of Reaching for Renewal (1991), Encountering Jesus (1992), and When Trouble Comes (1996). Dr. Holmes has also written chapters in Our Time Under God is Now (1993) and Power in the Pulpit: How America’s Most Effective Black Preachers Prepare Their Sermons (2002). He is widely known for his role as narrator and host of the well-known Disciple 1 Bible Study video series produced by Abingdon Press.

Dr. Holmes is a graduate of Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas and has two graduate degrees from Perkins School of Theology. In 2001 he was recognized as one of the Civil Rights Movement’s “Invisible Giants” in the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute in Selma, Alabama.

Zan and his wife, Carrie, reside in Dallas, Texas and Los Angeles, California.

Rev. Dr. Karin Walker
District Superintendent, Baltimore-North; The Baltimore-Washington Conference
Sunday, July 27

“Restorative Justice”
Scripture: Micah 6: 8 and Matthew 18: 21-35

Rev. Dr. Karin Walker serves currently as a District Superintendent in the Baltimore Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church. She has pastored most recently St. Paul’s Church in Kensington. Dr. Walker serves as the Coordinator of the Roundtable Ministries, providing mediation and facilitation to churches and organizations in conflict. She also facilitated the conference LGBT Dialogue team.

Dr. Walker’s passion in ministry is peacebuilding. Facilitating healing for people in the midst of conflict and helping people respond to God’s gift of reconciliation are key missional statements. Dr. Walker also believes that when people engage in dialogue rather than debate and nurture their dialogue with one another, community is possible and differences can be managed.

Dr. Walker and her husband, Mike, have two children, Joshua and Marissa, and live in Baldwin, Maryland. You can find them all on the soccer field or baseball field on the weekends, playing or coaching!

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The Pastoral Corner: Three Simple Rules

I have three categories of books in my life: those I should read, those I need to read, and those I want to read. I was recently given a copy of Bishop Rueben P. Job’s little book, Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living. I do what I usually do when people give me books: put it in my stack of books I should read. These writings shaped me, and sometimes rescued me, along the way. Rereading them reminds me how important ideas are. Ideas and constructs that help us make some kind of sense of life are as important as food and drink.

Since late April, I’ve attended three gatherings of United Methodists: the General Conference, the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference, and the Troy Annual Conference (my home conference). At each of these, I was introduced/reintroduced to Bishop Job’s little book. So I have taken the hint. I moved the book to the “need to read” pile.

The basics of this book are not, as they say, rocket science. This simple but challenging 80-page book looks at three commands: "do no harm, do good, stay in love with God." They come from Job’s synopsis of the historic General Rules that are found in our United Methodist Book of Discipline. This little book has become a part of my daily life and language. I commend it to you as a practice, a resource, a companion for the journey.

Do No Harm

“When we agree that we will not harm those with whom we disagree, conversation, dialogue, and discovery of new insights become possible.”

 

Do Good

“…doing good is not limited to those like me or those who like me. Doing good is directed at everyone, even those who do not fit my category of “worthy” to receive any good that I or others can direct their way.”

 Stay in Love with God

“Living in the presence of and in harmony with the living God who is made known in Jesus Christ and companions us in the Holy Spirit is to live life from the inside out. It is to find our moral direction, our wisdom, our courage our strength to live faithfully from the One who authored us...”

Bishop Job articulates these three ancient rules as a possible and necessary path of renewal for our own lives and for the renewal of the church.

“I believe we have reached a place where, as people of faith, we are ready to give serious consideration to another way, a more faithful way of living as disciples of Jesus Christ. This way must be so clear that it can be taught and practiced by everyone. It must be accessible and inviting to young and old, rich and poor, powerful and weak, and those of every theological persuasion.”

I would suggest if someone gives you this book, put it immediately to the top of the stack. If you are looking for a little book (remember – only 80 pages) that you can read and reread on the Metro, consider picking this up and tossing it in your bag or back pocket.

Three simple rules to help us transform our lives and to change the world… imagine the opportunities that await us!

Dee Lowman
Associate Pastor

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Who Will Teach the Children?
by Eleanor McLean

Growing up in a small town in South Carolina in the days before TV and computers, a highlight of my summer was two weeks of  Vacation Bible School at my church.  My family was active in the local Methodist Church .  As now, there were Bible study, crafts, and games.  However, what I remember most was the time when all the children were together.  Each person had to recite a Bible verse from memory each day during this "together time."  I learned many meaningful Bible verses and passages that help me today.  Many hymns and songs were taught us, too.  Although the members of the church congregation were all white, the one song I recall learning in Bible school is:

“Jesus loves the little children, 
all the children of the world,
They are yellow, black and white. 
They are precious in his sight.
Jesus loves the little children of the world.”

 

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Family Camp 2008

Family Camp 2008
August 29-31 at West River Center

Join us this Labor Day weekend for fun and fellowship in the sun! Family Camp is for EVERY family (singles, couples, single-parent, two-parent, and grandparents)! This year there will be plenty of games, food and laughs. Registration forms are available at the Main Office and on the Foundry website. We will see you at West River !

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Baptism Orientation Dates for 2008

Baptism Orientation is for all who are considering baptism for themselves and/or their children. This orientation offers an opportunity for questions and conversations regarding topics such as Baptism in the Methodist Tradition and the Role of Godparents, just to name a few. If interested, contact Robert McDonald . Orientation takes place on the following Saturdays at 9:30 am :

July 12

September 13

November 8

 

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New Fall Sunday School Curriculum

This fall, Foundry’s children will grow in their faith with a new curriculum from Cokesbury called Rock Solid! Children learn in a variety of ways. Rock Solid engages young hearts and minds with age-appropriate multi-sensory activities, crafts, stories, and games, all designed to give children an opportunity to know God.

Each week our children experience:

•   Fellowship and community-building that develops meaningful relationships

•   A compelling Bible story that captures their attention

•   The relevance of the Bible story to their everyday lives

Fall Sunday School begins September 14th!

 

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Saying Goodbye with a Smile

It’s a normal Sunday morning at Foundry, but something is different. As you approach the Nursery/Toddler rooms, your steps begin to drag because you know what’s next. As you hand your child to one of our gifted staff members, they begin to cry. The dilemma is whether you should stay with your child or attend service. What do you do?

Many young infants make a smooth transition from parent to the nursery. But around 6-8 months, most babies experience separation anxiety. The tears and sad faces are actually a healthy sign of growth. However, separation anxiety can be hard on parents. Here a few tips to ease the anxiety that often comes with Sunday mornings:

•   Arrive early enough to allow time for a routine

•   Create a fun goodbye ritual; prolonged goodbyes are harder on you and your child

•   Let your child bring along something familiar, like a toy from home

•    Be positive, children quickly pick up on our emotions

•    When you pick up your child, shower them with praise and words of affirmation

 

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Summer Reading for Youth
by Kimberly Pitcher-Crago , Foundry’s Children’s Librarian

Summer is a great time to start a series.  Get to know a whole new cast of characters or reconnect with old favorites.  Each Sunday, check out a different book from the series of your choice.  At the end of the summer ask yourself - what did I learn about my own spiritual journey by reading about someone else's adventures?

Try: The Chronicles of Narnia

or for ages 9- 12:
- My Life As A. . . (The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle)
- Sophie's World - Faithgirlz Series
- The Lily Series

 

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Reflections on Youth Sunday
by Luke Pepper, Youth Ministry Intern

 The 2008 Confirmation Class and their mentors.

 

Youth Sunday at Foundry on June 1 provided an inspiring opportunity for the greater congregation to experience the passion, strength, and humor of the Foundry Youth. Twenty-five youth from the Junior and Senior High classes were involved in planning or leading Youth Sunday. This worship experience allowed the congregation to witness the youth’s commitment to ministry, leadership, and social justice.

The Junior High class had the great opportunity to paraphrase some of the communion liturgy. This exercise gave the Junior High an opportunity to understand, reflect upon, and make relevant the traditional liturgy: “It is a right, awesome, and a sweet thing, to praise your Name, 24/7, O God.” Many churches would shy away from involving youth in writing liturgy, but Foundry was able to affirm the gifts of these young people to articulate theology.

As for the senior high class it is easy to see how well they have been shaped by the love and faith of Foundry. For the Children’s Sermon they performed a skit that connected the Old Testament story of Esther to modern times. Esther risked her own life to save her fellow Jews, a message echoed in the testimonies given by the graduating seniors. The theme of the worship service was “For Such a Time as This,” taken from Esther 4.

Four 2008 graduates offered testimonies drawn from their life at Foundry and an amazing interpretation of scripture and its application to social justice. Ruby Blackstone gave one memorable witness, about how self-sacrifice like Esther’s can break the cycle of violence in our community. Clearly, Foundry’s Youth have a deep faith that shapes how they respond to the opportunities and crises of our time.

O, The Places They’re Going!

Duncan Belew: One year of service and then, in 2009, at University of North Carolina at Asheville Maggie Birkel: Northwestern University
Ruby Blackstone: Shenandoah University
Efayomi Carr: University of Pennsylvania
Alexis Chaney: University of Chicago
Rachel Eggleston: Dartmouth College
Paige Eustace: Grinnell College
Gavin Palmer: Tulane University
Brandon Staley: Anne Arundel Community College

 

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From the Foundry Library
by Chris Matthews, Librarian

Check this out! Foundry member W. Astor Kirk (Bill to us) has published his autobiography One Life, Three Professional Careers: My Civil Rights Story. ( Magic Valley Pub, 2007)

Great for a group discussion: the documentary Renewal or Ruin? The Institute on Religion and Democracy’s Attack on the United Methodist Church . This 24-minute DVD offers insights on the IRD and interviews with church leaders who have felt targeted by this organization. In addition, read the accompanying book, Hardball on Holy Ground: The Religious Right v. the Mainline for the Church’s Soul, by Stephen Swecker.

Also for group discussion, a 10-minute DVD The Story of Stuff , a very simple and entertaining description of the natural resources and labor it takes to produce, package, recycle & discard all the “stuff” we use. Great educational tool to encourage reducing our consumption.

Two books recently used for discussion groups at Foundry: Blood Done Sign My Name by Timothy Tyson, a true story of discrimination and its effects; and Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor, by Leonardo Boff, on ecological justice.

Additional new titles include Gene Robinson’s In the Eye of the Storm: Swept to the Center by God , 2008, plus some great children’s books!

 

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Meet Your Neighbors: Foundry WIN Launches Summer 2008 Voter Turnout

 

As promised, Foundry’s WIN group is launching a voter turnout campaign in Ward 2 this summer, as part of WIN’s city-wide campaign. This year, WIN is targeting the contested elections in Ward 2 and Ward 7 as well as the at-large elections.

Why is voter turnout so important? In the 2006 elections, WIN’s election teams were extremely visible and raised voter turnout in all the precincts in which they worked. This has gained us respect with politicians who know that we are talking to voters and turning voters out in support of the Neighborhoods First Agenda.

Voter turnout is also an opportunity for congregations to talk to people in their neighborhoods to find out what issues are important to them. If you have never done this before – consider giving it a try! There will be training and clear instructions and great company!

This year’s strategy is a little different than past years – it is relational rather than precinct based. We will be targeting both our internal membership at Foundry as well as specific buildings in our neighborhoods.

Over the next weeks, you will see the WIN team tabling in Fellowship Hall. We have committed to obtaining 250 signed voter cards, committing to vote in this year’s election and to support the Neighborhoods First Agenda.

How can you participate in this?

  • Sign a voter commitment card
  • Help at a table in Fellowship hall on Sundays
  • Take some voter commitment cards and have your neighbors (any DC residents) sign them
  • Participate in the June 28, August 9th, and August 25th Door Knocking actions
  • Help the phone bank on Monday, July 14th or Monday, September 8th
  • Come to the Candidate Accountability Night on July 21st
  • Take off work on Election Day (September 9th) to leaflet, phone bank, etc.

This is a great way to meet other people from Foundry, other churches, and our immediate neighborhood!

For more information, contact:

Bo Billups: bbillups@cbmove.com
Gwen Johnson: stella918@verizon.net
Susan Ozawa: susan_ozawa@yahoo.com
Sharon Gehrman: georgegehrman@comcast.com
Jana Meyer: jmeyer@foundryumc.org or (202) 332-4010

 

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WIN Permanent Supportive Housing Update: Foundry Members Volunteer with DHS Vulnerability Assessments

This budget season, the City Council approved $19.2 million for permanent supportive housing through the efforts of WIN churches.

As the next step in the process, the Department of Human Services in consultation with Common Ground is conducting vulnerability assessments of the 500 persons who have been in the shelter system the longest, as well as persons who are staying on the streets.

Over 15 volunteers from WIN churches are helping with the assessments of persons on the street, which took place June 16, 17, and 18 at 4:30 in the morning. Sarah Cook, Paula Barret, Monte Hillis, Rebecca Shoaf, Paul Kozak, and Jana Meyer are participating from Foundry.

The vulnerability assessments were originally developed by Health Care for the Homeless in Boston , who were able to document which health factors correlate with the greatest risk. Common Ground has used these assessments in New York , Los Angeles skid row, New Orleans , and other cities.

The assessments will be used to determine which persons are most at risk in order to prioritize them for the 400 permanent supportive housing units that will be made available this year. Next year, 400 more units will be available; with the hope of housing 800 of the most chronic and vulnerable people who are homeless over the next year and a half.

Please continue to hold in prayer people who are homeless, the leaders of our city, and our churches so that we may continue to work together to bring an end to homelessness in our city.

 

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New Mission Newsletter

Attention all mission volunteers: we have a newsletter! The June/July issue of the new mission newsletter, Mission Matters, is now available on Foundry’s website (http://www.foundryumc.org/ missions). Check out Mission Matters to read about upcoming mission events, inspiring mission leaders, tips about helping your mission area succeed, and for calendars of upcoming events. Print copies are available at the front desk and on the mission bulletin board. Mission Matters will also be distributed by email every two months, so if you’re interested in being placed on the mailing list, please contact Katy Wheat .

 

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Foundry Mission Retreat 2008: Community, Spirituality, & Social Justice

The theme of the Mission Retreat held on Saturday May 31, 2008 was “Community, Spirituality and Social Justice” – and judging from participants’ comments, the day-long retreat was a great success. Thirty-three mission leaders, mission volunteers and other members of the congregation came together to reflect on our work in mission and gain new insights into the struggle for social justice.

The morning session featured a review of several translations of Isaiah 58: 6-12 where the prophet wrote of many aspects of community, spirituality and social justice. In several small group discussions, retreat participants shared their perspectives on how mission work brings us into community with others, nourishes us spiritually, and calls us to endeavor for change and social justice. These conversations were important opportunities to learn from others and explore our own beliefs about mission.

During lunch time Elise Young , an organizer for Bread for the World who worships at Foundry, spoke about the importance for developed nations such as the United States to help end hunger at home and across the world. Participants took part in a letter writing campaign to their federal elected officials urging them to support increases in aid for world food program legislation. Each hand written letter in the eyes of a legislator represents the opinions of about 300 constituents. The simple step of writing a letter on such an important issue was an empowering advocacy exercise for many of those attending the retreat.

The afternoon sessions included discussions by Rev. Don Lowe and Rev. Amy-Ellen Duke on spirituality and social justice. “The Art of Pastoral Care” as an aspect of mission was the topic for Rev. Lowe’s talk. He reviewed the skills of active, reflective, and

sensitive listening in order to help others get in touch with their feelings and come to their own solutions. The talk provided skills helpful in mission work and in the life of anyone who wants to become a better friend, relative or spouse.

Rev. Amy-Ellen Duke , Foundry's Deacon for Social Justice, led a discussion on our call to social justice based on biblical and Wesleyan themes. Beginning with the fact that we are all created in the image of God, and that Christians should oppose anything that violates others' full humanity, she moved onto describing the work of the Old Testament prophets and Jesus' ministry as our model for service and justice.  Given that the prophets are our ancestors, she encouraged participants to embrace their prophetic voices.  She concluded her talk by describing John Wesley's theology and social justice ministry and how if God's new creation is to be made real, we must confront the injustices of our day – including advocating for government to respond – as Wesley did.  The latter part of the session included a discussion of how Foundry's mission groups could add a social justice component to their current activities and how the church could grow in its orientation toward social justice.

The retreat was a unique opportunity for meeting people from various Foundry mission groups, discussing how our faith leads us to mission work, and thinking about how we are called to advance social justice. The day also challenged us to incorporate our mission attitudes and skills into the rest of our daily lives.

 

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Foundry Receives "I'll Be There" Award from DC Jobs with Justice

On Thursday, June 12, 2008 , DC Jobs with Justice honored Foundry UMC, along with Joslyn Williams, Empower DC , Mary Spencer, and Mark Borbely with its annual “I’ll Be There” Awards which recognize individuals and organizations for exceptional solidarity.

Foundry received the award for our commitment to supporting day laborer organizing and our ongoing solidarity with union struggles.

Foundry began working with day laborers in early 2005, when groups from the church began to visit the day labor site at 15th and P Streets, NW, on a weekly basis with sandwiches and hot chocolate. Shortly afterwards, Foundry helped initiate weekly meetings of workers and allies and the church and supported the formation of the Union de Trabajadores. In 2006, Foundry began offering English classes for day laborers, first at the 15th and P Streets site, and then at the church. Foundry has also provided funding towards the salary of a day laborer organizer. In addition to the direct involvement of the congregation, Foundry has recruited numerous other organizations and churches to support day laborers with both human services and political solidarity.

Congratulations to all who participate in our day laborer ministry, as well as to those who support it financially and with your prayers. Thank you to your commitment to justice for workers!

JWJ logo Pictured above, (L to R) are Katy Wheat (US-2 Missionary), Abilio Hernandez (Union de Trabajadores); Yadira Almodovar-Diaz (Foundry member), Peta Ikambana (Jobs with Justice board member), Jana Meyer (Minister of Missions, Foundry); also in attendance, but not photographed, was Dean Snyder (Senior Minister, Foundry).

 

 

 

 

 

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Rebecca Shoaf Running in Nike Women's Marathon

I am training to participate in a marathon with thousands of other women on October 19th, 2008 – the Nike Women's Marathon – as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team-in- Training.  We are raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and myeloma from taking more lives. I am completing this event in honor of my friend, Lindsay Harding, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma about one year ago.  She underwent chemotherapy, and has been considered cancer free since July of 2007! Lindsay is now the Director of Operations at the Cancer Survivor Center in Colorado . I am asking for donations towards this great cause!

To support Rebecca, visit: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/nikesf08/rshoaf . 

 

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Fool for Christ: Known for His Apparent, yet Holy, Insanity

“In order to accomplish this he took on an unusual style of life, appearing as someone bereft of his mental faculties, thus bringing upon himself the ridicule of others. In addition he exposed the evil in the world through metaphorical and symbolic words and actions.” (Excerpted from The Law of God, Holy Trinity Monastery, Jordanville, NY: 1993)

Dean Snyder was a 2008 recipient of the Baltimore-Washington Area Methodist Federation for Social Action “Fool for Christ” award. Pictured at left are Dee Lowman , Jane Malone, Dean Snyder , Ralph Williams, and Barbara Cambridge.

 

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Foundry's Evangelism Committee and the Lemonade Stand

C:\Documents and Settings\Ed & Tim\My Documents\My Pictures\Photos 2008\2008_06 Pride Lemonade Stand\2008_06_14\Compressed\IMG_0616.JPG

Foundry’s Evangelism Committee and Friends gave out free lemonade to the participants of the Capital Pride Parade on Saturday evening, June 14. Almost 1,000 cups of lemonade (and many more smiles) were given out, even after it started pouring rain! We received many thank-you’s that evening as well as during the Pride Festival the next day. Our booth at the Festival was well attended. A number of people asked to be put on our email list and many others from out of state asked about reconciling congregations in their area.

 

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While You're Away this Summer . . .

Please remember to keep your contributions coming to Foundry because our bills still keep coming in. For your convenience, you can go on line at www.foundryumc.org

and set up a contribution payment to be made from your bank account or credit card while you’re away. You specify the date and the amount of your contribution. You can certainly also send your contributions into the office.

Thanks for thinking of us during the summer months!

 

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New Members Orientation on July 13th

Our Annual New Members Dinner was held on Friday, May 30 th. About 50 members came to enjoy the Fiesta-themed evening, complete with great food, friendship, and a mariachi band. Many thanks to the Evangelism Committee and particularly Jane Northern who coordinated the event!

New Members Orientation on July 13th

We have an orientation for those who are interested in becoming a member of Foundry Church or simply learning more about us. The session starts off with a free lunch after the 11:00 am service on Sunday, July 13th. Those wishing to become members will join at the services on Sunday, July 20th. If interested, please complete a registration form available at the church office or online.  If you have any questions, you can contact Tim Wedding at weddingt@verizon.net or by phone at (202) 431-3502.

 

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Statement of Call

Over the last three years, Foundry United Methodist Church has asked three probing questions: “Who are we?” “Who are our neighbors?” and “What is God calling us to do and be?” In seeking answers to these questions, we have studied the Bible, prayed and talked with one another, and learned from others’ experience, writing, and ideas. Through this extended process of analysis and reflection, our goal has been to enable all who are part of the Foundry congregation to respond more deeply, fully, and passionately in ministry to each other, our neighbors, and Christ’s world. The following statement of what we hear God calling us to do and be emerged as the result of this three-year process:

We at Foundry are called by God to deepen faith through transcendent worship and challenging study, create engaged community through inclusion and caring, and transform the world through active service and prophetic leadership.

This statement is the wellspring that supports Foundry in its internal and external relationships and activities. Each part of the statement is grounded in the ideas, convictions, and words of Foundry members:

We at Foundry are called by God to deepen faith through transcendent worship and challenging study.

This aspect of the statement reflects findings from the appreciative inquiry process and values revealed in the survey of members by the Music Working Group. In particular, the concept and meaning of “transcendent worship” emerged from a statement by a member of the Music Working Group describing the importance of music as an integral part of the worship service that “ushers us into the presence of God.”

We at Foundry are called by God to . . . create engaged community through inclusion and caring.

This aspect of the statement reflects findings of the appreciative inquiry process and guiding principles from the neighbors inquiry. Foundry members want to be part of a community in which members own the care of one another, and which affirms that all are equal in the eyes of God.

We at Foundry are called by God to . . . transform the world through active service and prophetic leadership.

This aspect of the statement reflects findings of the appreciative inquiry process and guiding principles of the neighbors inquiry. Foundry members value taking personal actions and supporting the actions of others that make a difference directly for real people.  

To act on this call, Foundry is reorganizing its governance structure so that all members can bear fruit through participating in ministry teams and councils. The reorganized structure will allow Foundry to respond nimbly and effectively to new ideas and new challenges, and will free members to move from management to ministry. It will also provide a coordinated approach for setting goals, planning programs, budgeting, and assessing progress, and it will include principles to guide communication and an infrastructure that supports effective communication within and about Foundry.

The proposed reorganization is expected to be approved by the Church Council in June, and is intended to become fully effective by January 2009. More details will be provided in upcoming Forge articles and through meetings and other communications with the congregation.

 

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Foundry United Methodist Church
1500 16th Street, NW * Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 332-4010 * Fax: (202) 332-4035
Email: foundryumc@foundryumc.org
Web: www.foundryumc.org

Pastoral Care Emergency Phone
(after normal office hours): (202) 306-2659