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St. John’s Way
A monthly publication of Saint John's Episcopal Church ~ Ft. Washington, MD
Volume 22, No. 11 November 2014
Homecoming Celebration
You Can Always Come Home! 2014 Veterans Day - Honoring All Who Served
St. John’s Episcopal Church
– Broad Creek, “the Mother
Church of the Diocese, established in 1692, salutes military
members and families in:
by Royce Daniels
St. John's Homecoming Service
and Celebration was held on
Sunday, October 12th and many
friends we had not seen in a while
were in attendance. Rev. Rorke
preached to a capacity sanctuary.
and the "Homecoming" spirit filled
the church and the hearts of those
in attendance. A reception followed in Bayne Hall, with a menu
that included salads, sandwiches, wing dings and many desserts.
Karen Chapman made a cake in the image of the church that was
delicious. We had a presentation from Peter Ulrich on some of St.
Johns history. Everyone who attended had a great time renewing
old friendships and starting new ones. Our Senior Warden, Don
Horton welcomed everyone to our first homecoming celebration
and Rev. Rorke offered remarks. As Chairman of the Homecoming committee I thanked the committee, Birgit Brevard, Faith
Chisholm, Pam Ritter, Paul Hall, Adam Graham, Karen Chapman,
Karen Herbert, Kathy Mierke, with special thanks to Peter Ulrich
for serving as MC. It was hopefully, the beginning of a wonderful
tradition. I would also like to thank all the men who made sure all
of the tables and chairs were put away. Additional pictures can
be viewed on page 6.
James
Wetmore
Titus
1922-2014
On October 4, a warm and sunny early autumn day, Jim Titus
was laid to rest next to his beloved Gwen in the graveyard of
the parish he served for 57 years, St. John’s, Broad Creek. The
traditional Rite One burial service of his choosing began with
the choir singing a prelude, one of Jim’s favorite anthems,
“Brother James Air”. The service hymns selected by Jim in advance included two composed by Sir Arthur Sullivan whose operettas, written with librettist Sir William Gilbert, were a lifelong
source of joy for both Jim and Gwen. Eulogies were given by
Jim’s elder son and by Peter Ulrich, who took the opportunity
to relate how much we are in debt to Jim for all he did here.
A reception in Bayne Hall included an opportunity for many of
Jim’s family and friends to reminisce and tell stories both funny
and inspirational.
Jim came to St. John’s in 1957 at a turning point in its long
history. For many years, the parish had been combined with St.
Barnabas. Temple Hills, sharing their rector. Shortly after Jim’s
arrival, St. John’s welcomed Fr. Jack Harris as full-time rector
and thus began a new era that included, in the mid-1960’s,
the building of our current parish hall with its educational
Continued on page 4
•our congregation;
•the Episcopal Diocese of
Washington;
•our Prince George’s County
community;
•the State of Maryland;
•Our Country; and throughout
the world.
Thank you for protecting our
freedom. God Bless You!
Jean Parker
O
n Saturday, October 25 the Episcopal
Diocese of Washington Regional Assembly for Region 6 was held at St Paul’s
Church, Piney Parish in Waldorf, Maryland.
The meeting began with introduction
by Anne Ridenour, Region 6 Convener,
and with Bishop Mariann Budde, Ann
by Charles Day
Talty, secretary, Paul Cooney, Canon to
the Ordinary/COO and Gary Correll, CFO attending.
EDOW
Regional 6
Assembly
An opening
sing, morning prayer and
an address by
Bishop Budde
was first order
of business.
Tw o w o r k shops were
held late morning and afternoon for “teaching new music to a
congregation” and “balancing new music with traditional music”
for church congregations. Regional nominations for the Diocesan
Continued on page 3
St. 8,
John’s
Fair
• Nov
7PM - Craft
Colonial
Sermon PresenSaturday,
November
2014
tation-Broad Creek Historic15,
District
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Nov 11 - Veterans Day, Office Closed
Contact Susan Petroff for details.
• Nov 15 - 2nd Annual Craft Fair
• Nov 23 - Stewardship In-Gathering
• Nov 27 - Thanksgiving, Office Closed
• Nov 28 - Office Closed
• Nov 30 - 1st Sunday of Advent
• Nov 2, 9, 16 - Make your Pie Orders - Just in
time for Thanksgiving - See inside ->
Happy Birthday
November
St. John's Vestry Members
Tolulope Akintoba Sylvia Vlake
Faith Chisholm
Alain DeVergie
Barbara Drake
Dorothy Foggie
Jennifer Golson
A.J. Gonzalez
Jamil Neil
Edith Pulscak
Heather Puzon
David Rurner
Ruth Anne Cumberland
Special Thanks to Gayle Lacy for mailing out the birthday cards
each month.
Let’s Hear From You!!!
The deadline for the December issue of St. John’s Way is
Thursday, December 4, 2014. Submissions can be left in the
newsletter box in the church office ‑ either hard copy or on CD,
mailed, or faxed to the church at 301‑248‑7838. So let’s hear
from you. Your letters to the editor/ideas/articles/comments/
information/questions can also be emailed to Karl Boykin at
karl.boykin@verizon.net.
A PRAYER FOR ST. JOHN’S
Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and
earth, hear our prayers for St. John’s, Broad Creek.
Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, restore the penitent,
draw the seekers, and increase our numbers.
Grant us all things necessary for our common life,
and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your Holy
Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
St. John’s Episcopal Church
Broad Creek
WANTED
Empty, Rinsed Aluminum Cans & Copper,
Brass, Aluminum, Lead, Insulated Wire,
and Steel
Kathy Mierke collects aluminum cans, copper,
brass, lead, insulated wire, and exchanges them
for money for St. Johns. Please place your items
outside the kitchen door or inside the trash can
by the kitchen.
If you have a lot or want to have them picked-up, call Kathy at
301-292-3624. Remember St. Johns needs the money.
Recycle for St. Johns.
St. John’s Way
is published monthly for members and friends of
St. John’s Episcopal Church ‑ Broad Creek
Vision Statement
To know Christ and to make him known. To be a grow‑
ing and vibrant multiracial Christian community, living
our baptismal promises in an integrated, responsive, and
stable life in Christ in the Anglican Tradition.
Mission Statement
To know Christ and to make him known by growing the
St. John’s Community through excellent: worship, par‑
ticularly music and preaching; Christian Formation, adult,
youth, and child; and community action, internal and
external.
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Don Horton, Senior Warden
Derek Vereen, Junior Warden Jean Anderson-Jones, Secretary
Jean Parker
Michael Lacy
Jeanne Ulrich
Royce Daniels
Edith Pulscak
Karen Chapman
Ruth Anne Cumberland
Karen Herbert
Pam Ritter
Bea James - Treasurer
Carol Thomas & Rudy Brevard - Pledge Clerks
9801 Livingston Road
Fort Washington, MD 20744
Phone: 301‑248-4290 Fax: 301‑248‑7838
Interim Rector: The Rev. Stephen E. Rorke.
Minister of Music: Adam Scott Graham
Office Staff: Jean Anderson-Jones
Office Hours: Monday‑ Friday 10:00am ‑ 4:00pm
Newsletter Editor: Karl R. Boykin
Newsletter Team: Jean Parker, Pam Ritter, Peter Ulrich, Adam
Scott Graham, Jean Anderson-Jones
Articles, comments, letters to the editor and suggestions can be
submitted to the Church Office or emailed to
http://www.stjohnsbroadcreek.org/
karl.boykin@verizon.net
St. John's Way - November 2014
From the
Pulpit
Rev. Steve Rorke
Fall is my favorite season in the Washington
DC area. The leaves stay in place until midNovember, the weather is warm, and the days
clear. Long walks in the warm afternoon are a
real treat. And the summer heat and humidity
are long gone.
Here at St. John’s fall this year has brought a
new season in the life of the St. John’s parish.
September 1st marked the beginning of St.
John’s Interim season. With the retirement of the previous rector and my arrival as Interim Rector, the parish has embarked on
a season of renewal. The parish is preparing for new life with a
new Rector and the opportunity for change and growth.
The Interim season is a time to ponder what can be and what
should be. I like to compare the Interim season to the season
of Advent in our liturgical year. The Interim season is a time of
preparation and expectation. It is a time to clear out the ideas
and attitudes of the past and to allow the presence of the Holy
Prayer Brings YOU
Closer To GOD!
Please join our Interim Rector on December 4th and 11th in the Church for an exploration of Christian prayer. The sessions
will begin at 7PM and conclude by 8. You
will explore the history of Christian prayer since the time
of Jesus. And some concrete prayer exercises for deepening our prayer lives. All are welcome!
"Jesus, I need you. I repent for the life I've lived apart from
you. Thank you for dying on the cross to take the pealty for
my sins. I believe you are God's Son and I now receive you
as my Lord and Savior. I commit my life to follow you." Say
this prayer every day to recommit yourself to the Lord.
PRAYER
CORNER
with Royce
we will have the will.
Many times I have wrestled with the
devil to cast him out of my life, and I
keep praying this prayer to ward the
devil off. We all have demons in our
lives and we must continue to have
faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. Amen The world now has the
means to end extreme poverty, we pray
Please Pray for; Mary Cook, Jean Gunter, George Jones, Neil
Puzon, Crystal Ritter, Jeanne Rorke, LaDeborah Boozer, Jane
Bowman, Claudia & Claudette Brooks, the Brotheiton family,
the Bullard Family, Randy & Edie Burgess, Anika Campbell,
Tony Carter, Barbara Drake, Marian Ford, Charles & Rachaad
Gunter, James Golson, Granville E. Hall, Jr., Ed Harris, JoAnn
Howdershell, Ann Hozel, Doris Johnson, Bob Jones, the Junek
family, Verna Kraft, Alexis McCann, the Mierke family, Alfonso
Narvaez, Sr., Nancy Paleyan, Jessica Puzon, John Russel, Sally
& Marie Temple, the Uniake family, Christopher Wasson, Jean
Winters
St. John's Way - November 2014
Spirit to guide our thoughts and actions into the future. It is a
time for discernment.
There is a lot to accomplish during St. John’s Interim season. The
liturgical and pastoral needs of the parish must be met. We will
conduct a stewardship campaign starting in November. The Vestry is working hard to organize the parish’s Commissions. Special
events are being planned and implemented. The parish’s website
is being refined with guidance from the Washington Diocese. And
new members are arriving at the parish’s doors. Soon a Search
Committee will be organized to start the process of selecting a
new Rector.
St. John’s is a productive and vibrant Episcopal Parish. There is
much work to be done during this Interim season. And there are
many dedicated and excited parish members ready and willing to
move the parish ahead into a next phase of the parish’s long and
historic existence.
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
For he hath visited and redeemed his people;
And hath raised up a mighty salvation for us
In the house of his servant David,
As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets,
Which have been since the world began.
EDOW Continued from page 1
Council and other positions were made for Region 6 plus a detailed review of the 2015 EDOW draft budget by Gary Correll.
The two workshops on teaching music to congregations were led
by facilitators Bill Roberts and Ellen Johnson from the Center for
Liturgy and Music, Virginia Seminary.
With only one third of a church’s congregation believed to participate in singing, it was recommended that a mixture of old and
new songs, alternating parts for choir and congregation singing,
preparing congregations to sing, and alignment of hymns and
music to support scripture and sermon messages are options to
raise participation in services. The hymnal is a form of written
scriptures and church doctrine.
During the business session Bishop Mariann explained that a
fourth of EDOW congregations are going through change. She
explained the priorities and goals of connecting spirituality to
everyday life, growing the Christian community and striving for
justice. The Diocese’s focus along with parishes must be on how
to turn congregations around bringing them alive and how to use
God as the subject of sentences!
The Bishop concluded her visit with answering a question on how
the Diocesan pledges are used and the need for active participation of all in the work of the church.
Finally, the 120th annual Diocesan Convention for EDOW was announced and will be held on January 30 - 31, 2015 again at Reid
Temple, AME Church, Glenn Dale, Maryland. The theme of the
Convention will be “Engaging a Changing world with an Enduring
Faith in Jesus Christ by Growing Christian Community, Connecting
Spirituality to Everyday Life and Striving for Jjustice.” The Rt. Rev.
Robert Wright, Bishop of Atlanta, will give the keynote address.
Happy Thanksgiving
http://www.stjohnsbroadcreek.org/
from The Vestry, Interim Rector,
and St. John's Way Staff
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One Day
Bishops Blog
The Rt. Rev. Mariann Budde
Teach us to number our days, so we
might set our hearts to wisdom. Psalm 90:12 - Here is a simple
spiritual exercise:
Sit with pen and paper (or at a computer screen if you prefer) and
reflect on the last 24 hours of your life. Review all that happened
in your mind, but only write about how you experienced your life
from the inside. What were you thinking as you went through
your day? How did you feel? For what you are most grateful? And
least?
In some religious circles, this practice is known as the examen,
from the French word meaning “review.” As a form of prayer, it
begins with an implicit or explicit request that God reveal something of grace or direction as we examine the cares and occupations of our lives.
It allows us to savor bits of goodness, acknowledge pain or
anxiety, take stock of our capacity for presence, and ponder the
amazing fact that we exist at all. There’s no need to judge or fix
anything--simply to notice. It can a particularly helpful practice
reflection in those seasons when days blur together and we catch
ourselves thinking in terms of getting through the day, rather
savoring the gift of each one.
In a sweet book about the examen entitled Sleeping with Bread:
Holding What Gives You Life, authors Dennis, Matthew, and Sheila
Linn suggest that one way to discern the will of God is to track
over time those things for which we are most grateful. On the
assumption that God’s desire is for our joy, we go searching for it.
When the path forward isn’t clear or when you feel in limbo or a
bit stuck, try asking yourself each day for several weeks, “Where
do I feel most alive?” The greatest insights are typically revealed
over time, as you trace the arc of your energy and sense of connection to what matters most.
There is also direction to be found in those things for which we
are not grateful, the places of loneliness, anxiety or pain. Again,
the goal in prayer isn’t to fix anything, at least not at first, but to
A
Moment
Calendar of Events - St. John’s Women’s
Group Women of Wonder (W.O.W.)
Nov. 20 (Thursday) - Lunch Brunch
Casey Jones Restaurant, 417 Charles St, La Plata MD 20646
Website for menu: http://casey-jones.com/
For more information look for an announcement in the Sunday
Bulletin or call the Church Office at (301) 248-4290.
Dec. 5 (Friday) - Holiday Outing
The Royal Tea Room
110 East Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646
**Reservations required**
For reservations or more information:
Contact WOW Co-chairs Pam Ritter or Jean Anderson-Jones
Jan. 12 (Monday) - WOW Monthly Meeting
7:00 p.m., St. John's Church, Addison Room in Education
Building
For more information about the meeting or
dinner at 5:00 p.m. at Charlie’s Restaurant call the Church
Office at (301) 248-4290.
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gain an appreciation of the terrain and to stay connected even
in discomfort. In the early morning and evenings, I listen to the
news. Some days I have to will myself not to disconnect. For all
its pain, I want to stay present to what’s happening in our world,
and ask how God would have me respond. It can be overwhelming, but sometimes I actually feel God break my heart and
increase my capacity for caring.
This spiritual practice is easily done around a dinner table or in
community. Children are great at this, and it’s a great bedtime
ritual as well.
In a way, it’s simply taking seriously what we often ask each other, “How was your day?” May we give thanks for all that is good,
offer to God the burdens we carry, and (think Bruce Springsteen
now) at the end of every hard earned day still find some reason
to believe.
Local History Program
A Church Among the Indians
Colonial Sermon & Spiritual message of the Piscataway Indian
Tribe will be enacted by: a National Park Service Historian, The
Catholic Archdiocese of Washington's historian, and the National
Spokesman of the Piscataway Conoy at Colonial St. John's Broad
Creek Episcopal Church on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 7pm.
Presented by the Broad Creek Historic District of Ft. Washington. The event is free - refreshments. For information call
301-292-6130.
Titus Continued from page 1
wing and offices and the rectory. Jim was an active and productive parishioner in a period of rapid growth. His contributions are
legion: Sr. Warden, Jr. Warden (several times), vestryman (many
times), graveyard chairman, historian and archaeologist, and choir
member. He was a bassoonist and played with the brass choir at
Easter services. Jim established and carried out a tradition of cutting and installing a cedar Christmas tree in the church each year
during the greening. He was a faithful attendee at and contributor
to Bible study classes over the years.
Jim witnessed profound changes at St. John’s. As families and
rectors came and departed, Jim and Gwen were a constant presence, actively carrying on and keeping alive the parish traditions,
while, at the same time, welcoming and accepting change. We
are blessed with the fruits of their labors and are consoled by our
fond memories of their lives among us. They are gone, but not
forgotten.
by Peter Ulrich
St. John’s 2nd Annual Craft Fair
November 15, 2014 _ 9:30am - 3:30pm
• Crafters from Southern Maryland featuring hand-made
jewelry, paper holiday-themed gifts, scarves, sweaters and purses, handcrafted wooden items and much,
more
•Vendors of products, like Celebrating Home, Tastefully
Simple and Scents
•Children Craft Activities Hub
•Bake Sale
•Art Exhibit by Peter Ulrich
•St. John’s own crafts made by some of our own parishioners •Grilled Bratwurst & Hot Cider & Other Goodies
• Over 20 door prizes
Admission is a non-perishable item for the Ft. Washington
Food Pantry OR … $2 for Adults.
http://www.stjohnsbroadcreek.org/
St. John's Way - November 2014
A Community tradition….…..
Start the holiday season with a classical music experience!
THE FORT WASHINGTON COMMUNITY CHORUS
Directed by Barry Hemphill
Handel's
Messiah
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7th ~ 4:00 P.M.
Seating begins at 3:30 p.m. ~ No reservations required
ADMISSION: NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS FOR THE
OXON HILL FOOD PANTRY & THE FORT WASHINGTON FOOD PANTRY
CASH DONATIONS ALSO ACCEPTED
PROVIDENCE – FORT WASHINGTON UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH
10610 Old Fort Road, Fort Washington, Maryland 20744
To join and for additional information call (301) 248-4290
COME AND BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Sponsored by: Ruth Gregory Soper Memorial Fund, Prince George’s Arts Council (PGAC), Maryland State Arts
Council (MSAC), St. John’s Episcopal Church, MNCPPC, Provident Fort Washington United Methodist Church
Thanksgiving Pies
Order your
(Yum) on November 2, 9 & 16 with delivery on November 23. Forms will be
available at all services.
Pies must be ordered in advance, no
sales on November 23, just deliveies/
pickups.
• Coconut Custard
• Apple Caramel Walnut
• Apple (sugar free)
• Cherry
• Peach
• + NAME YOUR OWN!
St. John's Way - November 2014
http://www.stjohnsbroadcreek.org/
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St. John's Homecoming Celebration
Sunday, October 12, 2014
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http://www.stjohnsbroadcreek.org/
St. John's Way - November 2014
American Indian Heritage Proclaimed
“Native Pride and Spirit: Yesterday, Today and Forever” is this
year’s theme as we honor “The First Americans.” The Society
of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE) developed
this year’s observance theme. According to the Library of
Congress website about
the observance, “National
American Indian Heritage
Month celebrates and
recognizes the accomplishments of the people
who were the original
inhabitants, explorers
and settlers of the United
States.”
Using the timeline words
to parallel the development of our national observance, the “yesterday”
of this special occasion
started when the State
Poster image source: www.deomi.org
of New observed the first
American Indian Day
in May 1916. Today’s title started in November 1990, when
the observance became “National American Indian Heritage
Month,” pursuant to House Joint Resolution 577 (Public Law
101-343). The “forever” of the celebration comes from the
language of Congressional Joint Resolution 172 (Public Law
102-123) authorizing the President to proclaim the month of
November 1991, as “American Indian Heritage Month. Minus
the word “National” compared to previous titles for the month
observance, the Law includes the words “. . . and the month
of each November hereafter . . .” Presidents of the United
The New and Improved
St. John's Directory
The latest issue of our
church directory will be
available this month for
pick up in the church
and Bayne Hall. If you
have any updates contact Jean AndersonJones or Jean Parker.
If you need a picture
taken...or a new one,
contact Karl Boykin.
St. John's Way - November 2014
States consistently call upon all Americans to commemorate
the observance in November with appropriate programs and
activities.
While proclamations do not set a national theme for the observance, they allow agencies and organizations to develop their
own theme. In the month when we also honor our veterans,
it is appropriate to highlight the work of a military affiliated
organization, the Defense Equal Opportunity Management
Institute (DEOMI), which uses the SAIGE theme in their poster
featured with this article.
For more information about the 2014 Presidential Proclamation, history of the observance and related programs and
activities visit the following web sites:
www.whitehouse.gov; http://nativeamericanheritagemonth.
gov/; the Society of American Indian Government Employees
web site at http://saige.org/; and the National Museum of the
American Indian at http://nmai.si.edu/visit/washington
Tuesdays
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
September 2, 2014 to June 9, 2015
The St. John’s Vestry
Invites Parents or Guardians to bring
their children in Grades 1 to 8
To receive FREE after school tutoring advice and homework help.
Being a member of St. John’s Church
is not required.
The Episcopal Diocese of Washington has
certified our Homework Helpers as successfully completing the “Safeguarding
God’s Children” mandatory training.
For registration and more information contact:
Ruth LaBelle, Program Director
at 240-461-5330 or
St.
Johns
hwhelpers@stjohnsbroadcreek.org
Homework Helpers in St. John's Bayne Hall
Accessible entrance is located on the
parking lot side of the building
http://www.stjohnsbroadcreek.org/
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8
http://www.stjohnsbroadcreek.org/
St. John's Way - November 2014
St. John's Way - November 2014
http://www.stjohnsbroadcreek.org/
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2
Sunday
21st Sunday after
Pentecost
8:00am HE I
10:30am HE II
9
22nd Sunday after
Pentecost
8:00am HE I
10:30am HE II
16
23rd Sunday after
Pentecost
8:am HE 1
10:30am HE II
7pm Evensong
23
3
Monday
4
Tuesday
7pm Homework
Helpers
10
11
VETERANS DAY
OFFICE CLOSED
7pm Homework
Helpers
17
18
7pm Homework
Helpers
24
25
Last Sunday after
Pentecost
8:00am HE I
10:30am HE II
Stewardship In-gathering
7pm Homework
Helpers
1st Sunday of Advent
8:00am HE I
10:30am HE II
7pm Homework
Helpers
30
Wednesday
5
7pm Choir
6
Thursday
Rehearsal
12
13
14
20
21
26
27
28
Rehearsal
THANKSGIVING
DAY
7pm Choir
Rehearsal
19
7pm Choir
7pm Vestry Meeting
Rehearsal
7pm Choir
OFFICE CLOSED
1 December
2
7
3
7pm Choir
Rehearsal
Friday
8
Saturday
9:30-12 Food Pantry
10am FW Chorus
7pm Colonial Sermons
7:30pm AA
15
2nd Annual Craft Fair
9:30-12 Food Pantry
10am FW Chorus
7:30pm AA
22
9:30-12 Food Pantry
10am FW Chorus
7:30pm AA
29
9:30-12 Food Pantry
OFFICE CLOSED CLOSED
7:30pm AA
November
St. John’s Episcopal Church
9801 Livingston Road
Fort Washington, MD 20744
Happy Thanksgiving
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Photo: Charles Day
First Class Mail
http://www.stjohnsbroadcreek.org/
St. John's Way - November 2014