washington, dc 20011 peoples prodder · spriggs, dwight lacy, brandon spriggs, kea taylor, raven...
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AUGUST EDITION | page
MINISTER’S MESSAGE
Peoples Prodder August Edition
Peoples Congregational United Church o f Christ
4704 Thirteenth Street , NW
Washington, DC 20011
Rev. Brandon Harris
Senior Minister
Rev. Mahogany S. Thomas Executive Minister
Worship Service Each Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Holy Communion First Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Adult Church School
Each Sunday at 9:00 a.m.
†
Wednesday Word 7:00 a.m.
Wednesday Prayer 12:00 Noon
†
Bible Study Each Thursday at 6:00 p.m.
**************
202-829-5511
www.peopleschurchucc.org
Follow us on Twitter @PeoplesCongUCC
Dear Peoples Church Family:
How are you? These times are truly unimaginable and no day is the same. Yet, I find comfort that there are rhythms that are still familiar to anchor and hold us. Though unable to gather together in our beautiful sanctuary we gather in our living rooms, kitchens, or porches to worship weekly. I find joy every Sunday morning in having my cup of coffee, Bible, and notebook and engaging in virtual worship with our community.
It is a delight to watch the comments on Facebook and Youtube flood in as we welcome each other and guests to worship weekly. Each week we hear from people across the country who are engag-ing in worship with us. Yes, things are changing in our world and yet we have also found the space to lean into the work that the Holy Spirit has called us to. We are learning to innovate and we are learning to listen to who the spirit is calling us to be. My heart is filled with joy witnessing our children become more engaged in worship and growing in their faith during VBS. I find great comfort witnessing our congrega-tion deepen our prayer lives through the leadership of Deacon Diana Veiga and Min-ister Geneva Hudson. I look forward weekly to Bible Study as we have found ways to engage the questions of our faith and study God’s word together. I am so thankful for Rev. Mahogany Thomas our Executive Minister and for her faithful leadership and presence among us. God is indeed still speaking at Peoples Church!
We are a congregation called to reach, renew, and restore bearing witness to God’s work in our lives and in our world. Through the month of August, Rev. Thomas and I will be preaching on this theme as we focus on the book of Acts in a new sermon series entitled “The Church Dispersed.” The entire congregation is invited to partici-pate in this sermon series by reading Acts together. The Revs encourage you to pur-chase the “Acts: Scripture Journal” which enables you to both read the book of Acts and journal on the side pages. We want to encourage everyone to read Acts as a community of faith as we grow in our knowledge of the Bible.
I also want to thank you for your generous giving and stewardship during this time. Your gifts enable our congregation to continue to show God’s love into the world! As a joyous update our racial justice offering enabled us to support DC Black Lives Matter, University of the District of Columbia Emergency Students Fund, UCC Central Atlantic Conference Justice and Witness Ministries, and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
Finally, know that you are in my prayers and if there is any way that we can contin-ue to be with you as a Church family on this journey let us know!
With Love & Prayers!
AUGUST EDITION | page 2
Two months into this journey and I continue to
find affirmation of God's call here at Peoples. I know these times continue to be difficult as we grieve the world we once knew, but my hope is in Jesus, who continues to live and sustain us.
In the life and daily operations of the church, our physical building remains closed out of concern for the health and safety of all persons at Peoples, yet ministry never ceases. In July, we hired Mary Davenport Davis, a third-year Yale Divinity School student journeying toward ordination in the Episcopal Church to join our multimedia team. The role of Mary is to assist our multimedia and digital communications department over the next eight weeks. Mary brings a background in digital church communications to her work with us at Peoples. Her first Sunday with us was July 19th, and she will remain with us through the beginning of September. Mary works closely with Jackie Greene and continues to provide new and innovative methods for our virtual reality. Some of my greatest joys over the last two months include attending our virtual Vacation Bible School, sharing in worship leading for our Sunday morning worship, and kicking off the Trinity UCC Churchwide Virtual Revival. I want to personally thank each of you who watched the revival on behalf of Peoples. Also in the spirit of gratitude, I must thank Earlene Jen-kins, who is continuing to work incredibly hard with Peoples Church staff to ensure the safety and proper disinfecting of our church.
In these few month I appreciate the deeper
relationships I am forming with our staff at Peoples, and I look forward to continuing to get to know our members and their families. For those of you whom I have yet to meet, I
encourage you to send me an email at [email protected], as I would love to build deeper relationships with each of you. As we continue to navigate our physically distant reality, it is my prayer that our actions continue to exude grace, love, and compassion. I pray we continue to find joy wherever we are and continue to trust in the Spirit's presence.
LECTIONARY READINGS for August, 2020
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, August 2 Old Testament: Psalm 17: 1-7, 15
Gospel: Matthew 14: 13-21
†
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 9 Old Testament: Psalm 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b
Gospel: Matthew 14: 22-33
†
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, August 16 Old Testament: Psalm 133
Gospel: Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28
†
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, August 23 Old Testament: Psalm 124 Gospel: Matthew 16: 13-20
†
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 30 Old Testament: Psalm 105: 1-6, 23-26, 45b
Gospel: Matthew 16: 21-28
AUGUST EDITION | page 3
In the month of August, Rev. Harris and Rev. Thomas will preach a new sermon
series through the Book of Acts entitled “The Church Dispersed.” The entire congre-
gation is invited to participate in this sermon series by reading Acts together.
The Revs encourage you to purchase the “Acts: Scripture Journal” which enables
you to both read the book of Acts and journal on the side pages. The journal can be
purchased on Amazon or ESV Scripture Journal: Acts (Paperback).
We want to encourage everyone to read Acts as a community of faith as we grow in
our knowledge of the Bible.
August 1
Reading: Acts 1
August 8
Reading: Acts 7
August 22
Reading: Acts 20
August 29
Reading:
Acts 27
August 15
Reading: Acts 13
August 2
Reading:
Acts 2: 1-13
August 9
Reading: Acts 8
August 23
Reading: Acts 21
August 30
Reading:
Acts 28
August 16
Reading: Acts 14
August 3
Reading:
Acts 2: 14-47
August 10
Reading: Acts 9
August 24
Reading: Acts 22
August 17
Reading: Acts 15
August 4
Reading: Acts 3
August 11
Reading:
Acts 10: 1-33
August 25
Reading: Acts 23
August 18
Reading: Acts 16
August 5
Reading: Acts 4
August 12
Reading:
Acts 10: 34-48
August 26
Reading: Acts 24
August 19
Reading: Acts 17
August 6
Reading: Acts 5
August 13
Reading: Acts 11
August 20
Reading: Acts 18
August 27
Reading: Acts 25
August 7
Reading: Acts 6
August 14
Reading: Acts 12
August 21
Reading: Acts 19
August 28
Reading: Acts 26
AUGUST EDITION | page 4
Visit the church website: www.peopleschurchucc.org for additional information.
To make online donations go to: https://peopleschurchucc.org/online-giving/ or Tithe.ly at: https://tithe.ly/give?c=2030372.
Prayers of the People: Wednesdays at Noon Join Minister Hudson every Wednesday at noon for prayer, scripture, reflection, joys, concerns and hymns! Call-in Number 515-604-9545 ID 659959# Join Rev. Brandon Harris for Bible Study Every Thursday at 6 p.m. Virtual Bible Study is held via Zoom and Dial In Dial-in# +1 301 715 8592 US Meeting ID: 992 6852 3678 Password: 784420 Join Zoom Meeting: Click on link below: https://zoom.us/j/99268523678?pwd=NFZrUzNlUXBXczJkMWVxZ1VZclU5UT09 Meeting ID: 992 6852 3678 Password: 784420
The Washington Jazz Arts Institute (WJAI), has completed its first Virtual Summer Jazz Camp. Please watch your email and the Peoples Congregational Church website for notice of the presentation of our virtual Camp Performance which is being prepared now for showing sometime in August. We thank you as always for your continued support.
Davey and Esther Williams Yarborough
Well-being Check-in Calls: As you know, Church leadership sees the need to reach out to our members to
ensure their access to Church information and services while we remain under social distancing
restrictions. A team of Church volunteers is completing survey calls this week, after which results will be
turned over to Rev. Thomas for further processing and implementation. If you have not received a call by
August 1, please reach out to Pat Ellis at [email protected]. Your response to the volunteers is
appreciated and the resulting more accurate member information will greatly enhance improved
communication with the Church.
The Bylaws Work Group thanks all Church organizations and individual members as well for input to the
proposed amendment bylaws of our beloved Church. The Group is in the process of discussions with the
Church Council on the amendments, and will resume discussions in August. You may direct questions on
the process to [email protected]. Bylaws Work Group members: Pat Ellis, Lead; Robert Hen-
dricks, Moderator; Brenda Ewing, Church Treasurer; Brenda V. Smith, immediate past Moderator; Marie
Whitaker, President, Council of Circles and Clubs, and Esther Williams Yarborough, At-Large Member of
the Council.
AUGUST EDITION | page 5
Greetings Peoples Church Family
Although the pandemic has changed our ability to worship in our
Beloved Sanctuary physically, God has kept our Community of
Faith connected via our Virtual Services every Sunday. Our virtual
gathering has extended beyond our congregation; and we have
attracted fellow believers from around the world to pray and wor-
ship with us. We are sharing our viewing analytics from several so-
cial media platforms; so that you will know that "God is doing a new
thing" at Peoples Church and beyond.
AUGUST EDITION | page 6
“Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action." 1 John 3:18
Saturday, August 1, marked the end of Peoples Church's 2020 VBS program, "World Love: Youth in Action," a 6-week virtual program of instruc-tion, music, interaction, and fun! In addition to the all-virtual format, new this year was inclusion of
classes for grades 6-11, with the sen-ior high campers doubling as youth counselors.
Based on last spring's church Lenten text, A World Worth Saving by George Donigian, and a KidsPost celebration from the Washington Post, this year's VBS highlighted how young people -- in the bible and in communities today -- have done extraordinary things to advance God's kingdom here on earth. Classroom and independent activities encouraged campers to
explore their own interests and talents and think of ways that they can take action.
Campers could choose from a wealth of activities. There were zoom classes, music, art, and crafts, writing and reading exercises, virtual tours. Activities involved
church members of all ages -- garden tours from James Pierce and Natasha Debose, healthy cooking sessions by Robina Barlow, instructional sessions by Julien Kearns, Cierra Barnette, Hampton Mitchell, Evan DeBose, and Sanaa Gittens, and talent showcases by Marli Stevenson, Ihsan Gittens, Michael Taylor, Lauren Bush and Shayla Wright, and Madison Wilkinson. Through our community service project spearheaded by Nadine
Kearns, we raised over $1,200 for 1000 face masks for children in Haiti!
Special thanks to Rev. Harris and Rev. Thomas, Camia and Terrence Stevenson, Jackie Greene, and an amazing team of volunteers: Teachers/Session Leaders - Karan Buster, Brittany Dowell, Camia Stevenson, Vernandi Richardson, Vanessa Wilkinson, Wilbur Jackson, Lois
Sylver, Diana Veiga, Valerie Lewis, Na-tasha DeBose, Gwen Jenifer, Robina Barlow, and Hampton Mitchell; Team - Cheryl Dunham, Gwen Jenifer, Gladys Boyd, Leslie Bowie, Carrie Tyus, Susie Fletcher, Elvira Doman, Nina Faulk-Knight, Esther Pinder, Deborah Spriggs, Dwight Lacy, Brandon Spriggs, Kea Taylor, Raven Feather-stone and James Pierce.
Thanks also to the many, many donors, who
gave to VBS in general and the MaskUp Haiti Campaign in particular. A complete list is being compiled. We're also in the process of com-piling pictures and vid-eos for the website and other platforms. Watch for more details in com-ing announcements.
It's been a summer that we will long remember. Thanks, Peoples Church for your support.
Cynthia Prather
Director
AUGUST EDITION | page 7
TO THE PEOPLES CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY OF PATRICK ELLIS
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Our private service for Patrick was held on Saturday, July 25. We were moved beyond
words at the crowds along Georgia Avenue with signs of love and flowers waving in
memory of Patrick. We paused at Station WHUR on Bryant St. N.W. to greet the
WHUR staff and neighbors assembled to see the procession. At graveside, Dean Bernard
L. Richardson delivered a comforting and inspiring eulogy for his friend. Patrick is laid
to rest along side his beloved parents and brother.
It is only God who can speak the words that calm the sea, still the wind, and ease the
pain. We have had family and dear friends like you to lean on and who made us realize
even more that we never walk alone. The family expresses heartfelt thanks to everyone for
their prayers, cards, calls and many acts of love and kindness during Patrick's illness
and passing.
God Bless and Keep you always.
AUGUST EDITION | page 8
Vaster Bridgewater
Passed on January 10, 2020
Derek Jones Passed on February 27, 2020
David Driskell Passed on April 1, 2020
Ebena Sims Passed on April 21, 2020
James Jones Passed on June 19, 2020
Presley Reed, Sr.
Passed on July 17, 2020
Onra Dillard Passed on July 30, 2020
In Memoriam For members who transitioned January 2020 —July, 2020
AUGUST EDITION | page 9
In-Church Worship Services, Activities and Events remain suspended until further notice.
In order for us to continue to operate safely and within the CDC Guidelines as well as the DC government guidelines, we have put new practices in place.
Schedule: Since we can only have a limited number of essential individuals in the building at any one time, a schedule has been set in place. If you need to come to the church, 24-hour notice is required; simply contact the Office Staff either by email: [email protected] or by calling 202-829-5511 and the staff will get you on the schedule. Accessing the building: Strict procedures are in place which you will find posted at the front door (see below).
• Only one (1) person will be
buzzed through the doors at a time.
• Each individual will have
their temperature taken with a touchless
thermometer.
• If an individual’s tempera-ture is above 100o they will not be allowed to remain in the building.
• Individuals MUST wear a mask at all times and use hand sanitizer.
• Individuals must sign-in
and sign-out at the front desk.
• Individuals must maintain
6-feet of social distancing.
AUGUST EDITION | page 10
2020 MONTHLY
January: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
February: “Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3)
March: “I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continuously be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1)
April: “So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)
May: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
June: “I can do all things through Him (Jesus Christ) Who strengthens me.” (Philippians
4:13)
MEMORY VERSES
July: “God is our refuge and strength, a very pre-sent help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
August: “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)
September: “What no eye has seen, or ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (I Corinthians 2:9)
October: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness, come into His presence with singing.
(Psalm 100:1-2)
November: “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.”
(Psalm 121:1-2)
December: “She will bear a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
Since we closed on March 12th our staff has been working non-stop to keep us up and running. We want to thank them for their work and let you know the hours that they are available.
Ms. Yvette Hunter, Operations Specialist
Monday − Friday 8:00 a.m. − 5:00 p.m. Ms. Donika Palmer, Administrative Assistant
Monday − Friday 8:00 a.m. − 5:00 p.m.
If you need assistance, please email [email protected]
MAINTENANCE
Mr. Akien Ingram and Ms. Maureen Betton
Monday − Friday 8:00 a.m. − 4:00 p.m. Mr. Lawrence McDaniel
Please note that Mr. McDaniel will be out of the office for a few weeks.
AUGUST EDITION | page 11
GENERAL INFORMATION
CHOIR REHEARSALS
Voices of Peoples Fellowship Choir Rhythmic Choir Chancel Choir Men’s Chorus Peoples Children and Youth Choir
Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Saturday Saturday 1st and 2nd Saturday
6:30 p.m.—8:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.—8:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.—7:30 p.m. 11:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.—10:00 a.m.
CHURCH BOARDS MONTHLY MEETING SCHEDULES
Board of Christian Education Board of Trustees Church Council Board of Christian Social Action Board of Deacons
1st Wednesday 2nd Wednesday 3rd Wednesday 4th Wednesday Saturday before the 1st Sunday
7:00 p.m. 6:45 p.m. 6:45 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m.
SUNDAY
Worship Service Each Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Holy Communion First Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Adult Church School Each Sunday at 9:00 a.m.
Nursery available during 10:00 a.m. service
WEDNESDAY
Wednesday Word 7:00 a.m.
Wednesday Prayer 12:00 Noon
THURSDAY
Bible Study Each Thursday at 6:00 p.m.
Ministers Email Administrative Staff
Rev. Brandon Harris, Senior Minister [email protected]
Ms. Yvette Hunter, Operations Specialist, [email protected]
Rev. Mahogany Thomas, Executive Minister [email protected]
Ms. Donika Palmer, Administrative Assistant [email protected]
Maintenance Staff
Church Moderator email address: [email protected]
Mr. Lawrence McDaniel Mr. Akien Ingram
Ms. Maureen Betton
AUGUST EDITION | page 12
MULTI-MEDIA COMMUNICATION PLATFORMS: Our website address is www.peopleschurchucc.org. The website is constantly being updated, so click the refresh button when you visit. Our Twitter handle is @PeoplesCongUCC. You do not need a Twitter Account to follow Peoples Church.
NO PHOTOGRAPHS, VIDEO, OR AUDIO RECORDING: This policy has been adopted to protect the musicians and speakers who are a part of the worship services and special events at the Church. The cooper-ation of the congregation is essential to the observance of this policy by visitors and guests. Photographs and CD recordings of worship services and other events are available as produced by the designated Church photographers and the Sound Engineer. Please contact the Church office to request specific photographs and/or recordings. Thank you.
PLEASE NOTE: By attending Worship Services and other liturgical services at Peoples Church, your image may appear on camera during the transmission of live streaming.
THE PRODDER
The Prodder and Multi-Media platforms exist to further the social connection with the membership of Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ and with the community to promote outreach and notices of important Church events. The social networking tools are designed for easy mass communication and media sharing. Through the Website, members and users can access the Online Giving page to donate to the General Operating Fund and purchase tickets for Church events and fundraisers. Members/users can view the Events Calendar to participate in the life of the Church. Members can advertise Church events through the Website, Facebook Fan Page and Twit-ter. Members/users can view live streaming of Church Worship Services and other special liturgical services from the Website on Facebook Live. The Website is the “New Front Door of the Church,” and allows members/users to interact, communicate and connect to foster connectivity and community.
Prodder Guidelines
All announcements and flyers must be submitted by the third Tuesday of the month by 12:00 Noon. Announcements and flyers can be emailed to [email protected],. Do not mail information. Announcements should be no more than 50 words and should be informational about Peoples Church events or members and their families. Announce-ments may be edited.
FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ALTAR
To order a designer floral arrangement to remember your loved one or recognize a special day, contact Vernandi Richardson, (202)829-5511 or Diane Miller for additional information.
FACILITY RESERVATIONS
If you wish to reserve space for an event and/or ac-tivity, please contact Ms. Yvette Hunter, Operations Specialist, at the church office on (202) 829-5511 or email [email protected] to complete a reservation contract. Facility reservations can also be made online through the church’s website: www.peopleschurchucc.org. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis; however, religious events and funerals take precedence. Peoples Church is a multi-use venue so reservations are necessary Member and non-member reservation fees apply.
FIRST AID KITS
First Aid Kits have been placed in the Main Office and the Fellowship Hall/Kitchen area. Incident Re-porting Forms are also available in the Main Office for completion. All incidents must be reported on the forms, regardless of how small the incident. The completed forms should be given to any member of the office/volunteer staff. .
MORE GENERAL INFORMATION