St. Columba’S Newsletter n January 14, 2014 1

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. BurnettInterim Rector

jburnett@columba.org

Vol. 57, No. 1January 14, 2014

Newsletter

“heart work is

hard work. but most

of all it is holy work,

because it is God’s

work among us and

through us”

Celebrating two New YearsDear People of St. Columba’s, We in the church are privileged to enjoy two “new year” celebrations. One happens on the First Sunday of Advent as we mark the beginning of the new Christian Year. The other is our annual festive observance of “New Year’s Day” according to the secular calendar.

It is worth noting that these two occasions coincide with yet another new beginning for the parish and people of St. Columba’s. It is a signal opportunity to reflect on what these “new years” and “new beginnings” may have in store for us during this interim period.

In some ways life will go on as usual. The lay and clergy staff and I will work with the vestry and other lay leaders to maintain regular worship, administer the affairs of the con-gregation, and provide for ongoing education, pastoral care and the many other rich ministries that are part and parcel of parish life. All of these are vital to a healthy period of transition and the “search process” for the calling of a new rector.

Along with this, however, an important and distinctive vocation for the parish will emerge, involving each and every person’s willingness to be an agent in the renewal and reenergizing of parish life, ministry, and mission.

Here is where my role as interim rector takes on its unique shape and responsibilities. Some of the specific tasks I will seek to address with you during this interim period include:

Helping deal with any lingering grief and/or other issues arising from the previous rector’s departure;

Helping resolve any internal con-flicts and heal any divisions that may exist within the congregation;

Helping discern and discover your identity, your gifts, and your ministries;

Helping renew and rework rela-tionships with the diocese in a mutually supportive way;

Helping build a supportive atmo-sphere for the new visions and possibilities that will come from the leadership of a new rector.

Much of this is what I call “heart work,” as it invites us all into honest conversations with one another, into relationships of mutual love and trust, and into deep listening to one another’s stories of faith. “Heart” work is hard work. But most of all it is holy work, because it is God’s work among us and through us.

All this will take time, just as the calling of a new rector will take time. We need to be passionate about engaging the challenges ahead, but we also need to be patient—patient in prayer, in perseverance, and in love.

All our “new years” and “new beginnings” are part of God’s time and God’s work. They are paths to the fulfillment of God’s promise in Christ Jesus. Therefore it is my joy and privilege to join with you during this momentous time.

Grace and peace,

jburnett@columba.org

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Jennifer Turner Senior Warden

Occupation: Homemaker/teacher

Family: Husband, Woody Turner, Maddy (18), Harry (13)

Church Experience: I have been a member since 1981. In addition to

serving as senior warden for the past year and two years as junior warden, my involvement has included: STEP/I Have a Dream, Lenten Groups, Nominating Committee, Outreach Steering Committee, Great Hall Team, Mother’s Group, Sunday school teaching, Welcome Ministry, The Haven and Friendship Place Board.

LAne HeArd Junior Warden

Occupation: Lawyer, Williams & Connolly

Family: Wife, Margaret Bauer and Ethan, Peregrine and Clarion Heard and Emily Knickerbocker

Church Experience: I am completing my second term on the vestry and continuing to serve as a lay minister. In years past, I was a member of the search committee that helped bring Janet here as rector.

St. Columba’S n Rich in Worship

Worship ServicesSundays

8 am EucharistWith homily and without music.

9 am EucharistIn 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 childrenIn the Great Hall, with story-style telling of the gospel and songs children can sing.

10:15 am Education HourSunday School, youth programs, Sunday Forum, Bible study and refreshments. (Coffee follows all morning services.)

11:15 am EucharistIn the church nave, with sermon, choirs, hymns and the healing rite.

5 pm EucharistA smaller, contemplative Eucharist (First Sundays: Live@5).

Weekdays (in the chapel)

Morning Prayer8:45 am Monday through Friday

Eucharist7 am Wednesday; breakfast follows. 10 am Thursday, 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 date: Mar. 2, 11:15 am (church nave); 11:15 am (Great Hall). Preparation classes: Feb. 18 and 25.

iNtErViEW:the rt. rev. Joe G. burnett

We are very blessed to have the Rt. Rev. Joe G. Burnett come to St. Columba’s as our interim rector. In the midst of his busy holiday season, Joe was kind enough to sit down with us and share his background. Here is the first installment of our conversation …

Q: Joe, where does your story begin?A: I was born on May 15, 1948, in

Jackson, MS. I grew up in a series of small towns in central and southern Mississippi where my father served as a United Methodist pastor. My mother was a devoted minister’s wife, gracefully juggling her family and parish duties. Most of the “parson-ages” we lived in were next door to the church, so I spent my childhood literally in the shadow of the church. The church played a large part in my life, and to this day I can’t think of a time in my life when I was not active in or part of a church in one way or another. Over the years I have known many persons who came into the church following some sort of a “conversion” experience, but for me it was more of a process, a series of moments or experiences that served to deepen and mature my faith.

Q: What do you remember most of your childhood?

A: Primarily I recall my family life, my experiences as a student in a succession of public schools, and the opportunities to travel to a variety of interesting places with my parents. My home was characterized by a simple but profound devotional life, which my parents exemplified. My father’s first wife had died of cancer in 1946, and so I became the “only child” of his second marriage—with the added blessing of two much older brothers—the sons of my Dad’s first wife. By the time I was two years old, both were grown and gone, one in college and the other employed, but I have always been close to them and

their families. Both attended Duke Divinity School and became ordained Methodist ministers.

With my father’s involvement with various boards of ministry, we trav-elled more than many of my peers. I fondly recall going with my parents in the late 1950’s and early 60’s to several national church conferences, in Washington D.C., Los Angeles and Chicago. This broadened my perspec-tive and introduced me to a wide diversity of people and places.

Q: And your schooling?A: Long before there were public

kindergartens in Mississippi, I went to a small local program. Grades 1-12 were spent in four different public school systems. Over the years I have realized the sad irony that I began first grade in 1954, the same year that the U.S. Supreme Court momen-tously ruled that segregation in public schools was “inherently unequal” (Brown v. Board of Education). In spite of that decision, I graduated high school in 1966 without ever having a single person of color in any of my schools. When I arrived at Millsaps College, a private Methodist liberal arts college in Jackson, MS, I had the wonderful opportunity to have colleagues and friends who were members of other races.

This left a deep impression upon me, and later I would realize how fortunate I was to have had moderate parents who, in the context of the parishes they served, had a growing receptivity to what was right and just in terms of race. Thus it was that the Civil Rights movement in Mississippi provided a profound backdrop to my education and played a crucial role in shaping my consciousness and my conscience.

… Join us next month for the final installment of our interview with Joe.

Who is qualified to vote? You are qualified to vote if you are at least 15 years old, baptized and entered on the parish rolls, and are a member of a contributing household to the parish. Contributions are defined as recorded pledges, identifiable offerings or services rendered.

Ballots and Absentee Ballots Ballots are available at the parish office beginning the week preceding the Annual Meeting. If you are unable to attend the Feb. 2 Annual Meeting but wish to vote, you can fill out a ballot at the Welcome table on Jan. 26 or at the

parish office during office hours. Ballots must be completed immediately.

What happens at the January 26 Sunday forum Nominees are introduced and candi-dates for warden and vestry speak.

What is the vestry? The vestry is “. . . the agent and legal representative of the Parish in all mat-ters concerning its corporate property and the relations of the Parish to its clergy and is the Board of Directors and administrative body of the Parish. . . . It shall consist of the Rector, as its Chair,

the Senior Warden, the Junior Warden and 12 members as described below. The vestry shall be chosen from among the members of the Parish who are at least 18 years of age, who are communi-cants in good standing for a period of at least one year and who are contributors of record.” (Bylaws of St. Columba’s Par-ish, Article 6, Sections 1 and 2).

How are candidates chosen? Candidates are chosen by the Nominat-ing Committee, which is headed by two vestry members (See website for this year’s Nominating Committee).

annual parish meeting and Election: Feb. 2

CaNDiDatES For WarDEN Elect two to serve one-year terms

Candidate statements continue on page 4

This monthly newsletter (USPS#002559) is published by St. Columba’s Episcopal Church. Second-class postage paid at Washington, DC. Postmaster: Send address changes to St. Columba’s Newsletter, 4201 Albemarle Street NW, Washington, DC 20016.

JOinT STATeMenT One year ago, when we were asked to serve as senior and junior warden, little did we know what change was in store. The job turned out to be a bit more complicated than the job description. . . By the grace of God, with the Bishop’s guidance, and with the parish’s generous understanding and support, we have tried to chart a course forward. We are grateful for Rose’s leadership as priest-in-charge, working arm-in-arm with Rob, Peter, Jason, Pattie, John and all the

staff. We welcome the wisdom, experience, and love for St. Columba’s that Joe brings as Interim Rector. We look forward to working with the vestry to put the Foundation for the Future monies to immediate and good use, and to working with the entire parish to put the church’s finances on a secure footing. With confidence in the search committee, we look forward with hope to the call of a new rector.

St. Columba’S n Active in Service

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ingA BLuST Current Vestry Member

Occupation: Retired Spanish Teacher

Family: Widow with three adult daughters

Church Experience: I have been a member of St. Columba’s since the 1960s. While I have seen many

changes over the years, I have always felt an openness and inclusiveness from the leadership of the church. St. Columba’s has allowed me to grow my own leadership skills and to do things which I might have never attempted, from coordinating Haven volunteers and chairing our Columba Fund, to playing in our orchestra. What other church offers such rich community experiences alongside spiritual worship?

During my three years on the vestry, I have felt proud to be a member of a group of hard-working people who care deeply about the welfare of the church. We have made hard decisions this year and there will be other difficult decisions ahead. Despite these challenges, I see many opportunities for our church to serve our city in new and meaningful ways.

TOM BAuder

Occupation: Retired Woodrow Wilson High School English as a second language and computer science teacher

Family: Wife, Gladys, 2 grown daughters, 2 grandchildren

Church Experience I have been a life-long Episcopalian, joining St. Columba’s about 1980. Since then I’ve been an usher, a Sunday school teacher, a J2A leader, and active in many outreach activities: the Outreach Steering Committee, Honduras, SCAP, SON, Partner ARMS, STEP, Rebuilding Together, Samaritan Ministry and Environment Committee. I am currently a cupster and a Stephen Minister.

Through my outreach activities at St. C’s, I have learned there is little we cannot do when we work together. Anyone involved in Rebuilding Together has seen the miracles performed (with the determined help of the Holy Spirit) in homes that were in terrible shape, with many hands working and in just a few days. I look forward to being part of service projects through which we transform God’s world and ourselves!

SuZAnne i. BurrOWS Current Vestry Member

Occupation: Director of Annual Giving, Maret School

Family: Husband, Robert G. Burrows, children, Buddy (14) and Abby (12)

Church Experience: Our family joined the parish in 1999. Both of our children were baptized by the Rev. John Thomas and attended the nursery school. I taught Sunday school, helped with children’s choir activities and headed up the Piggy Bank Campaign for the nursery school.

Active in parish life, I served out an unexpired vestry term in 2013, and am currently chairing the stewardship committee. I chaired the Foundation for the Future campaign Kick-off celebration, and served on the campaign committee in 2012-2013. I have served on Team D of the Altar Guild since 2013. The primary issue before the vestry is steering the parish through the interim period and welcoming a new permanent rector. My priority would be to help strengthen the financial footing of the parish.

Ken deCeLL

Occupation: Editor/writer

Family: Wife, Florri, and adult children, Hannah and Nick

Church Experience: In our 24 years at St. Columba’s, I have been most heavily involved with the music program, starting

with the Celtic Choir, the St. Columba Singers and Singers Ensemble. Through the years I also have served as a stewardship visitor; Diocesan delegate; Decoration Sunday co-chair; vestry Nominating Committee member; and volunteer with Rebuilding Together/Christmas in April, Winter Haven, and Buildings and Grounds; a set builder and performer in Peel/Pickard musical productions; help-mate to a vestry-member spouse; and more.

This time of transition is both exciting and challenging. Besides working with our interim rector and supporting our search com-mittee, I would hope to help further strengthen the broad range of activities being pursued by parishioners in worship, in education and in service to our community and beyond as we embark on a new chapter in the great tradition of St. Columba’s.

CaNDiDatES For VEStrY Elect four to serve three-year terms

LOiS HerrMAnn Occupation: Public Affairs Manager,  U.S. Department of State

Family: Single

Church Experience: Member since 2006. Washington Interfaith Network core team; SPARK Group member; Peace Fellowship member; 42nd Street

Fellowship; Member, Diocesan Partnership with Jerusalem Com-mittee; lay reader.

deBOrAH KennedY COSTer Occupation: Associate Vice President, Adult English Language Education, Center for Applied Linguistics

Family: Single, no children at home

Church Experience: I came to St C’s in 1987. Member of St Columba Singers, St Columba Singers Ensemble, Nights of Columba, Altar Guild. Former

coordinator of the Concert Series at St Columba’s and the St. Columba Arts Hour. Former member of vestry Nominating Committee. Represents St C’s on Friendship Terrace Coordi-nating Council. Current diocesan delegate. Worked for the Bishop’s office and served as a volunteer floor teller for Diocesan Convention.

Ann LOiKOW Occupation: Retired Federal attorney (FDIC)

Family: Spouse, John Loikow and adult daughter, Betsy Loikow

Church Experience: I am a cradle Epis-copalian and a St. Columba’s member since 1996. I am a lay lector/intercessor

and active in outreach activities: the Honduras Mission Group, South African Mission Group, Katrina Response Mission Group, Environmental Committee and Peace Fellowship. I am also a member of the Diocese’s Companion Diocese Committee for Jerusalem and a founding member of the Episcopal Peace Fel-lowship’s Palestine-Israel Network. Diocesan Conventions and Regional Assemblies volunteer and Alternate/Delegate for St. Columba’s (2011-2013).

eLiZABeTH PYKe

Occupation: Government affairs for criminal justice policy association

Family: Gardell Gefke, Madeleine (15), Anna (13)

Church Experience: I have loved St. Columba’s since middle school. I have

coordinated the Usher Ministry, taught Sunday school and YAC, been active in Loaves and Fishes, Good Shepherds, Welcome Team and Mothers’ Group.

What drew me to St. C’s as a young person draws me still: warm, wonderful people; kids everywhere, participating in everything; glorious music; countless opportunities for service; and complete acceptance no matter where you are on your spiritual journey. This is a happy time of new energy and excitement. We may reclaim a few traditions, and start new ones. We will work to advance God’s Kingdom in our parish, the city and the wider world. If elected, I look forward to listening to your hopes and wishes and to helping us to chart our course together.

CLAude ViLLArreAL

Occupation: Retired U.S. Foreign Service Officer and retired investment advisor

Family: Wife, Marti Villarreal and three adult children

Church Experience: St. C’s parishioner since 1978. Past Lay Eucharistic Minister and team leader, stewardship team member. Customarily attends 8 am service.

Treasurer and chairman of budget and finance committee of residents’ association at Ingleside at Rock Creek retirement community.

I see the healing process of our parish and the selection of an inspiring rector as our major priorities. As a vestry member, I would apply my management experience and financial knowl-edge to continuing and strengthening St. C’s many worthy missions.

CaNDiDatES For VEStrY Continued CaNDiDatES For DioCESaN DElEGatE Elect three to serve two-year terms

St. Columba’S n Active in Service St. Columba’S n Active in Service

Continued on page 6

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St. Columba’S n Rich in Worship

St. Columba’S DiarY

Our Christmas season at St. Columba’s was full of joy as we joined the choir of angels sharing the good news of the birth of Jesus Christ. No greater joy could be seen than through the eyes of our children as they experienced the tremendous love of God’s gift to us.

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Sue WALTerS Occupation: Health-care Chaplain

Family: Husband, LeRoy, and two adult children, David and Robert.

Church Experience: A St. Columba’s member since 1993, I have been exten-sively involved with the St. Columba Singers, assuming the responsibility for

the vesting of the adult choir to this present day. A member of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divino groups, as well as gatherings sponsored by the Discernment Ministry, and a regular partici-pant in Advent/Lent Quiet Days and parish retreats at Holy Cross Monastery. I served as a Visiting Lay Eucharistic Minister for numerous years, and became more actively involved in pas-toral care at St. Columba’s. As a Stephen Leaders team member, I currently prepare monthly continuing education for Stephen Ministers. I have served as usher for several Diocesan Conven-tions, and look forward to attending on behalf of St. Columba’s.

KAren BurgeSS Occupation: Attorney, Public Company Accounting Oversight Board

Family: Husband, John, and daughters, Katharine and Sarah

Members of St. Columba’s for 20 years.Significant career experience with finan-cial and corporate governance matters

CindY dOPP Occupation: Hospital Chaplain

Family: Husband, Michael Dopp and adult children, James, Carolyn, and Peter

Stephen Ministry Leader and Minister, Lay Eucharistic Minister, Home Com-munions, Reader, Healer

CaNDiDatES For DioCESaN DElEGatE Elect three to serve two-year terms

St. Columba’S n Active in Service

CaNDiDatES For altErNatE DElEGatE Elect two to serve a one-year term

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St. Columba’S n Rich in Worship

a glorous and joyful occasion

On Dec. 1, 2013, six candidates were presented for ordination to the Sacred Order of Deacons at the Church of the Epiphany in the Diocese of Washington, and I was pleased to be one of them!

Designated as my “sending parish” (tasked with sending me out into the world for ordained ministry), St. Columba’s was my sponsor and so generous in its contributions to make the ordination the glorious and joyful event it was. The flow-ers that adorned the altar were beautifully arranged by Bill Riggs. The Rev. Rob Boulter lent his con-siderable talents in walking all the candidates, presenters and vesters, readers and acolytes through the dress rehearsal, and John Guenther was a special blessing as he was called upon at the last minute to serve as verger.

Four people are required to present the candidate to the Bishop and affirm that the candidate meets all the criteria. It is customary for the rector of the sending parish to be one of the presenters, and I was pleased to have Rose Duncan present me. Joe and Susan Ruth both played a role in the ordination service; Susan as usher and Joe the bearer of the St. Columba’s banner. Also presenting me was

Stephen Leader and fellow Stephen Minister, Alice Gregal. The other two presenters were the Rev. Robin Dodge, Rector of St. David’s (DC), my supervisor during my internship and Fred Holmes, a longtime friend from St. Alban’s Annandale.

After I was ordained, the Bishop presented me with a Bible, and the Rev. Rob Boulter and my wife Nina Seebeck vested me with the stole appropriate for my office. This resplendent stole was also a gift from the St. Columba’s and I wear it with a mixture of pride, humil-ity and gratitude for the blessing of being part of the St. C’s parish family. I am deeply appreciative of all those from the parish who came to this glorious occasion to support me and to wish me well.

n Melinda Artmanartmanzone@me.com

n Welcome those who have com-pleted newcomer cards: Mary Jane Owen, Washington, D.C.

n Welcome the newest members of Christ’s church, baptized Jan. 12: Wiley Van Resen, son of James and Marissa Rensen; Phoebe Margaret Allen-Schack, daughter of Abigail Allen and Amanda Schack; Mason Laurence Roy, son of Bronwyn and James Roy; and Ana Eleanor Huggins, daughter of Patricia Bales Balestra.

n rejoice with: Colin and Lexi McKay and grandparents, Kathy and Jack McKay, for the births of Millicent and Mary Matthew McKay, Nov. 11; with Taylor and Nick Roosevelt for the birth of Lillian d’Oriemieulx Roosevelt; with Eric and Eurae Primosch for the birth of Bennett Kinam Primosch, Nov. 21; with Mandy Schack and Abbey Allen for the birth of Phoebe Margaret Allen-Schack, Nov. 25.

n Pray for those who have died: Ernest Fowler, father of Kathi Chapman and grandfather of Kiki Vass, Nov. 11; Ken Ivins, grandfather of Sterling and London Fowler and father-in-law of Perry Fowler, Nov. 12; Zachary Goodyear, father-in-law of Alia Goodyear, Nov. 13; Dorothy Newhook, mother of Ed Newhook; Teresa Nugent, mother of Angela Nugent, Nov. 16; Robert Ernest Cassell, Carol Jensen, mother of Bill Jensen, Dec. 2; Alfred Mor-gan, stepfather of Kirk Rankin and Thorne Rankin; Dec. 9; Mary Charlotte Shoe-maker, mother of Wesley Shoemaker; J.D. Wilson, father of Donna Wilson; Alice Kinter, Dec. 23; Norman Wiss, father of Cathy Wiss, Dec. 25; Walter McCabe, Dec. 29.

n Let us pray for our parish and search committee, that during this time of discern-ment and transition, we may grow more deeply in spirit, faith, worship and service.

transitions

St. Columba’S n Open in Spirit

proclaim the Good News to theends of the world: Even online!One of the perennial challenges for Christians is to take seriously Jesus’ call to proclaim the Good News to every time and place. But each time and place, each age has its own circumstances when it comes to com-munication. We must work with both a message and a medium, each with its own issues for the communicator.

As to the message, we do have the advantage of possessing the Gospels and the Letters of the New Testament (something the first few generations of Christians could not take for granted!). Even so, we walk a line between contemporary ears and ancient speakers that shifts from lan-guage to language and age to age. One can argue that while the Word does not change, the languages to which it is translated change constantly.

When it comes to the medium through which the Good News is proclaimed, we have a history of both persistence and boldness. The Church in every century has labored to pro-claim the Good News, to tell the story of Christ and pass on his teachings. It is a persistent tradition and a consis-tent effort, and one that links us to the ministry of the apostolic age. And we do “love to tell the story … “

There is the history of boldness in Christian communications. Here I am speaking about the readiness over time of Christians to be at the forefront and adopt new forms of communication. The earliest Chris-tians were not afraid to adopt the form of Jewish interpretation of the Hebrew Scriptures, and to make that midrash their own. The result, argu-ably, is something we call the New Testament. They were able to make the life and message of Jesus intelli-gible to a primarily Jewish audience.

When the passage of time and eyewitnesses necessitated a more

consistent, authoritative telling of these stories, third and fourth genera-tion Christians began to write them down. But they did not stop there: they shared these documents and letters along the trade routes of the Roman Empire (i.e. the world wide web of the 2nd century). One of the most important developments in the history of the Bible and the spreading of the Good News was the adoption of the book format over the well-established scroll. Certainly books are sturdier than scrolls, and maybe even travel better? Centuries later found us again promoting a revolutionary, new form of communication with the creation of the printing press. To this day the Bible remains the number-one selling book, every year, since Guten-berg first printed it.

The challenge now before us, as Christians and as members of St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, is to embrace online forms of communi-cation for teaching the Good News and supporting one another in our spiritual journeys. The adult formation support team, in consultation with the staff, and experts from Virginia Seminary, has been researching and preparing to roll out an online Digital Resource Center (DRC) for our parish website. The DRC will be a place you can go for ideas about faithful and faith-filled activities that you can do on your own, at home with family and friends. It may also offer daily resources for prayer, meditation and contemplation, and perhaps ulti-mately link to Christian and Anglican readings, commentaries and journals.

So, watch this space and our web-site for more information in 2014!

n The Reverend Dr. Peter M. Antocipantoci@columba.org

10:15 to 11:05 am in the Great hall

January 19 Questions & Answers: The Affordable Care Act The dC Health Link DC Health Link is an online mar-ketplace created to shop, compare and select health insurance that meets a diverse range of health needs and budgets. D.C. residents, small business owners and their employees can come to DC Health Link to apply for coverage, find out if they are eligible for help to lower the cost of their insurance, compare options, and enroll in the plan of their choice.

January 26 Sunday forum: Vestry Candidates Presentations Nominees for vestry, warden, diocesan delegates and alternates are introduced to the parish. Candidates for warden and vestry will speak.

february 2 no Sunday forum: Annual Parish Meeting The primary purpose of the annual meeting is to elect wardens, vestry and alternate diocesan delegates and vote on the proposed Bylaw revisions. Please see “Vestry Notes” on page 11 for more details.

february 9 St. Columba’s: A green Parish St. Columba’s has had an active environmental ministry for more than a decade. What has been done? What has been accomplished? What’s happening these days?

Please come!

upcoming Sunday Forums

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St. Columba’S n Open in Spirit

a new bread-baking ministryBread-baking was initiated as a new ministry for the 9 am, 11:15 am and 5 pm services during Advent. Both individuals and families have made our communion bread on Saturday, and delivered it fresh 30 minutes before those services. Although it took a little trial and error, the bakers enjoyed this family activity and said it was a great way to do something for church.

We would like to thank all those who sign on to this new ministry and bake for us: Tom Bauder, Elizabeth Pyke, Madeleine Gefke, Annie, Veda and Justine Hedgepeth, Joyce Nolan, Jane and Katie Ward, Adri-enne Clamp, Lina Stensland and Farleigh Earhart, Anne Clippinger, Alex Acosta and Julia Losey, Susan DeWitt, Judi Kane, Carolyn Donnelly, Lindsay Monte and Liz Weatherly.

We are continuing to bake bread for these same services during the season of Epiphany and looking for

more bakers. If you or your family is interested in this ministry, please let me know or go to the website to sign up and get the bread recipe (tinyurl.com/epiphanybakers). We are also considering a Saturday bread baking at the church, if we can find someone to take the leadership for that event.

I give thanks for those who have been our bread bakers, those who are willing to continue to bake for Epiphany and any new bakers. It is not only a gift to receive the bread and wine, the body and blood of Christ at communion, it is also a gift to know parishioners, young and old make the bread we break and share as the body of Christ.

n Pattie Amespames@columba.org

liturgy: Changes to the 5 pm EucharistEach week the Liturgy Planning Team (Pattie Ames, Peter Antoci, Rob Boulter, Joe Burnett, Jason Cox, Rose Duncan, Diane Heath and John Hurd) meets for an hour to debrief about the past Sunday, put final touches on the coming Sunday and plan for the weeks ahead. About ten times a year we set aside time for a special meeting to brainstorm about the com-ing liturgical season and review and reevaluate how we are doing. Our time in worship each week is one of the most important things we do as a community of faith so we dedicate a lot of resources for planning. We have several distinct offerings on Sunday and our goal is to provide a rich experience for each worshipper.

Last year at Epiphany we intro-duced a contemplative worship service we called Deep Peace, developed from many hours of

conversation and exploration with the Liturgy Planning Team and the 5 pm community. The evening Eucharist typically drew 30 to 40 people and we felt we had a lot of room for growth.

A quiet contemplative Eucharist draw-ing on Celtic spirituality, Deep Peace began with a candle lighting service and included periods of silence and reflective instrumental music.

At the one-year mark for Deep Peace, we did some reassessment and noted no increase in attendance

and even a fall off of families with children. We felt some adjustments were in order to better appeal to a broader group. We decided to keep the candle lighting but reduce the periods of silence. We will also restore a more traditional sermon by the presiding priest. We will continue to offer the Live@5 service on the first Sunday of the month and will look for special occasions to offer a more quiet and contemplative service for those who are drawn to this format.

We are interested in your thoughts about all our worship offerings. We appreciate constructive feedback about the way we worship and also why you feel the way you do. Feel free to contact any member of the Liturgy Planning Team to share your observations.

n The Rev. Rob Boulterrboulter@columba.org

St. Columba’S n Deep in Faith

Samaritan ministrySt. Columba’s congregation has continually supported Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington (SMGW) for 26 consecutive years, and with your help SMGW has created a caring, challenging, creative and collaborative environment for all our participants.

It’s been the time, talent and treasure your St. Columba walkers have made, the volunteers you’ve provided, the Thanksgiving din-ner canned goods and Christmas presents collected and the Partner Representatives who provide the additional resources needed to create the caring environment for SMGW’s participants.

Thank you ... •For your kind welcome and

responses to the Rev. David Wolf, SMGW Executive Director, who preached at all 3 services and conducted the forum at St. C’s on December 15, 2013!

•To all the children and their families who brought food items to the altar each Sunday in 2013!

•To all who attended, donated or bid on items at the Spring Gala Event in 2013!

•To all who attended the annual Next Step Breakfast at the National Press Club in 2013!

•To all who donated presents for the children of current SMGW families at the 2013 Christmas Party!

•To all who joined in the Help the Homeless walkathon events in 2013!

•To all who volunteered at any of our three offices or at your church in 2013!

•To Joe Kolar, St. Columba’s newest Partner Representative to SMGW in 2013!Here are some of the significant

milestones that we achieved during the 18 days that our three offices were open in November 2013:

•445visitswith192participantsserved;

•109short-termgoalswereset(34% completed);

•10long-termgoalswereset(0%completed);

• 365nextstepswereset(74%completed);

• 22receivedcomputermentoring;• 27resumesweredone;• 11obtainedemployment;• 5obtainedhousing;•15pre-GEDclassvisits;•31%returneddateskept.

Tom Bauder, Casework Associate (NW office) shares the following computer lab experience ...

“Samaritan Ministry has created a safe place where we, as Christians, can interact with street people as our brothers and sisters. At SMGW there is an atmosphere of accep-tance and encouragement. We don’t judge, but we do lift each other up. My great joy in the computer lab is when someone struggling to use a computer completes a task, such as finishing an online job application, or sending some other required document electronically. They hit our ‘That Was Easy!’ button and the whole place laughs and applauds. Each time I go, I leave Samaritan Ministry feeling better than when I arrived. It’s a great place for a retired person to help end home-lessness."

n Philip Grahamgrahamp20@comcast.net

n rector Search Committee The vestry is pleased to announce that the following 12 parishioners have agreed to serve on the Rector Search Committee:

Rick Dulaney and Patty Jensen, co-chairs Lucy Bremner Annette Davis David Frulla Charlotte Hudson Susan Laing Ryan McNavage Joe Payne Bill Riggs Peggy Treadwell Megan Wirtz

The Vestry, on behalf of the entire par-ish, is extremely grateful to the many thoughtful and talented parishioners who offered themselves in service to the committee. Look for further updates as this extraordinary group begins its work.

n Vestry nominating Committee Co-chairs Courtney Hundley and Fletcher Jones wish to thank the following Nominating Committee members for their diligence in putting forth this year’s candidates:

Linda Alison Haslach David Hawkings Cynthia Hoover George Little Charles Molluzzo Mark Morris Elizabeth McGregor-Skinner John Nolan Marti Villareal

n Parish Bylaw revisions (For Feb. 2 vote) You are invited to review the proposed revisions to the St. Columba’s by-laws posted on our web site and available in hard copy in the library. Governance committee members will be on hand to answer your questions on Jan. 19, 12:15-1:30 pm in Room 212. You can also send comments or questions to governance@columba.org.

Vestry notes

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St. Columba’S n 202-363-4119 n Columba.org12

A WElcOMiNg

cHRiStiAN cOMMuNity

tHAt SEEkS tO BE

OPEN iN SPiRit,

DEEP iN FAitH,

RicH iN WORSHiP,

ActiVE iN SERVicE.Mailed January 14: Dated material. Please deliver promptly.

St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, 4201 Albemarle Street NW, Washington, DC 20016

Periodical PostagePaid at Washington Dc

thanksgivingsThe Beloved Community

Martin Luther King Jr. spoke often of “The Beloved Community–a place where we love one another enough to see our way through the tensions inherent in the human condition and find a place of redemption, reconcilia-tion and creation.”

On Friday, November 22, I had a particularly intense experience of “The Beloved Community.” After a demanding day spent eating little, drinking nothing, working hard, and walking around President Kennedy’s gravesite and the rest of Arlington Cemetery, I went to a gathering at St. Columba’s, had a glass of wine, and fainted.

In a quintessentially Columba combination of competence and compassion, those around me leapt into action, resuscitating me, sustain-ing me and calling the rescue squad. Rose Duncan and Tom Bauder spent a long evening with me and Cathy in the emergency room; many friends called to wish me well; and Michele Prince brought me Communion.

The response of our beloved com-munity made me care more than ever, if that is possible, for the Church that cares for me.

Chris Schumann schumann.walter@dol.gov

Thank you rose! For five months, Rose Duncan has ably and humbly served our parish as Priest-In-Charge. We are so grateful for her leadership, wisdom, and good humor during this period of transition and that she continues to serve our parish as Senior Associate Rector.

A fond farewell ...Mary Claire Bond, who has served as a verger for several years, is moving to Fargo, ND. She has been invited to serve as a verger for the Episco-pal Cathedral there. As part of our farewell prayer, she received her own verge from the St. Columba’s vergers.

Coming to Communion Wed., Jan. 22 at 4 pm, rm. 212 orSunday, Jan 26 at 10:15 am, 1st fl.Attend this informational meeting for parents on “Coming to communion,” a home-based educational program on the Eucharist for first and second graders and their parents.

Youth Ski TripSat., Jan. 25All youth are invited to a day of skiing at Whitetail. Register at tinyurl.com/SkiTrip2014 Questions? Contact the Rev. Jason Cox (jcox@columba.org).

St. Columba’s Annual MeetingSun., feb. 2The Annual Meeting is scheduled to elect wardens, vestry and diocesan delegates. Vestry candidates will present at the Jan. 26 Sunday Forum. Ballots will be available at the Forum, and also through the Parish office. Bylaw revisions will also be voted on at the meeting. Copies of the proposed bylaws are available in the library.

“A day of Self-Care, Connection and Vision for 2014”Sat, feb. 8. Sign up for the Mothers’ Group 2014 retreat offering fellowship and support for moms in the parish. The cost is $45 dollars and includes breakfast, lunch, materials and speaker fees. Sign up information is available in the Current News section of the website.

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