703-256-8330 http://www.annandale-umc.org AUMC Witness 1

Vol. 15 No. 5 We are a Stephen Ministry Church May 15, 2018

AUMC WITNESSOur Mission: Love God, Love Neighbor, Serve the WorldAnnandale United Methodist Church 6935 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003 P: 703-256-8330 F: 703-914-8896 office@annandale-umc.org

Ministers: Rev. Dr. Clarence R. Brown, Jr.

Rev. Peter KwonRev. Chenda Lee

Let Your Love Speak

“May the work I’ve done, speak for me. May the work I’ve done, speak for me. When I’m resting in my grave, there’s nothing more to be said; may the work I’ve done speak for me.”

These words, from a popular African American hymn, have been etched in my memory since learning of the passing of one of the most influential religious figures of our time. On April 28, the Rev. Dr. James Hal Cone transitioned from this life at the young age of 79. Dr. Cone committed his life to exposing the hypocrisy of the practice of Christianity through the lens of the black experience in America. His ground-breaking works—Black Theology and Black Power (1969), A Black Theology of Liberation (1970), and God of the Oppressed (1975)—gave birth to a new understanding of God and the mission and ministry of Jesus, forever changing the theological discourse of America’s religious landscape.

Heralded as the founder of liberation theology, a branch of theology that emphasizes God’s preferential option for the poor and oppressed, bruised and wounded, marginalized and outcasts of society, Dr. Cone’s writings addressed the social evils of slavery and Jim Crow that robbed black and brown peoples of their human dignity and worth. As a distinguished professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York City and through his published works, Dr. Cone shaped generations of scholars, professors, pastors and activists, kindling in countless people the fire for dismantling oppressive systems that are antithetical to the Christian message of God’s liberating love for all of God’s children.

I am one of those countless people influenced by the brilliance and scholarship of Dr. Cone. I was introduced to his works when I studied at Wesley Theological Seminary. His books ignited within me a passion for the marginalized and oppressed peoples of the world. My understanding of God and Jesus are articulated primarily through this lens and fuels how I function in the world and in my vocation. I believe that the message of the gospel is not antithetical to, but is the

essence of liberation, bringing hope and new life wherever people are struggling for freedom.

As I write this article, recent news from our denomination leaves me baffled and reinforces why Dr. Cone’s works are integral tools for dismantling oppressive systems, not only in the world but in the church. Recently, the United Methodist Council of Bishops released the results of five constitutional amendments that were taken up at our General Conference in 2016. Two of the five amendments failed to receive the two-thirds majority votes needed. The first amendment had to do with adding language that would affirm that “both men and women are made in the image of God and that we will confront and seek to eliminate discrimination against women and girls.” The second amendment proposed to add language that no member of the United Methodist Church “be denied access to an equal place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church because of race, color, gender, national origin, ability, age, marital status, or economic condition.”

(Continued on page 4)

Mark your calendar!May 15, 7 p.m.: Charge Conference May 19, 5:30–8 p.m.: Kairos Informational Dinner. May 20, 4:15-7:15 p.m.: High School NightMay 27, 9:30 a.m.: Memorial Day Tribute May 31 - June 1, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: AARP smart driver classJune 1-3: AUMC women's retreatJune 9, 12:30 - 3 p.m.: Mission Center Work DayJune 9, 5:30 p.m.: Celebration dinner for Clarence and Jaie BrownJune 10, 10:30 a.m. (combined service): Youth Sunday and farewell for Clarence and Jaie BrownJune 18–22, 9 a.m.–noon: Vacation Bible School June 20: AUMC Preschool open house

703-256-8330 http://www.annandale-umc.org AUMC Witness 2

Zea Bonanno is graduating from Annandale High School as an International Baccalaureate diploma candidate. She played mellophone for four years in the Marching Atoms, as well as the French horn for the Wind Ensemble. She is a member of the French Honor Society and the National Art

Honor Society. She has taken five years of Krav Maga self-defense training and has recently begun to study Kendo. She will attend the Savannah College of Art and Design in the fall, where she plans to study animation.

Andrew Hartley is graduating from Annandale High School. He has completed two years at the Edison Academy’s Foundations in Applied Technology (FATE) program, focusing on building construction and electrical. He played trumpet for four years in the Marching Atoms and the Symphonic Band. He is an avid Boy Scout in

AUMC-sponsored Troop 150, having earned Eagle rank and currently serving as assistant adult leader. This summer, he will work on the staff at Boy Scout Camp Goshen. He plans to pursue an apprenticeship in building construction or electrical. Andrew was baptized and confirmed at AUMC and currently serves as a crucifer.

Georgia Ohmke is graduating from J.E.B. Stuart High School. She played on the varsity basketball and volleyball teams, and served as captain of the varsity volleyball team during her junior and senior years. She is a member of the National Honor Society. She has participated in many programs at AUMC, including Christmas pageants,

summer mission trips, Camp Highroad, The Grid, Youth Praise Band, Youth Choir and Vacation Bible School. She will attend Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV, where she plans to major in photography and be a member of the Shepherd Ram Volleyball Team.

Emma Van Zandt is graduating from J.E.B. Stuart High School as an International Baccalaureate diploma candidate. During her time at Stuart, she has been vice president of the Teacher Student Organization, co-founder and co-president of Leo Community Service Club, and captain of the varsity tennis and

volleyball teams. She has also published art in Cadence Art & Literary Magazine and received Scholastic art awards. She will attend the University of Pennsylvania and plans to pursue a degree in visual studies.

Wesley Vaughn is graduating from Annandale High School, where he is a Tri-M Music Honor Society member. He has sung with many choirs in Annandale, including the Fairfax Choral Society Master Singers, Annandale Singers, Men's Chorale and Atom Chorale. At AUMC, he has been involved in

Christmas pageants, summer mission trips, Broadway musicals, talent shows, The Grid, Youth Choir, and served as an acolyte and crucifer. He will attend Texas Christian University and pursue a degree in music education.

AND to our college graduates!

Gabriella DiPetto is graduating from Virginia Tech. Her degree is in wildlife conservation with a minor in biology. She plans to work for the Smithsonian’s Migratory Bird Center and then pursue graduate school in a year or two.

Ryan FitzGibbon is graduating from Virginia Wesleyan University in Virginia Beach. His degree is in religious studies with a minor in business. In addition to working part-time, he has been a youth leader in Young Life and Wyld Life. He has also traveled abroad, most recently to Israel for 10 days. In July, he will

marry his college sweetheart, Tabitha Lowell. They will reside in Northern Virginia, where he plans to work while pursuing a master’s degree.

Megan Luckenbaugh is graduating from Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, PA. Her degree is in sociology with a minor in political science. She will be pursuing a position in nonprofit fundraising.

Sarah Padrutt is graduating from the College of Wooster in Wooster, OH. Her degree is in mathematics. She swam on the Wooster swim team for four years and was captain her senior year. After graduation, she plans to work.

Alex Ronkainen is graduating from Georgetown University. His degree is in accounting and finance. He will be interning this summer with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

Congratulations to the high school graduates from AUMC!

703-256-8330 http://www.annandale-umc.org AUMC Witness 3

Andrew and Melissa Snyder, two transplants from upstate New York, have found a home at AUMC, along with their two young sons, Owen (6) and Easton (3). The

Snyders joined AUMC in 2016 and have since become active in the church. “Our introduction to the church was through the preschool program with Owen,” says Melissa. “Everyone was so welcoming. There’s a real sense of community here.” Melissa helped with Vacation Bible School and now teaches second- and third-grade Sunday school. She also is working on Preschoolers Reaching Out, a monthly service project for children that includes activities like coloring Kairos placemats and making manna bags. And she volunteers at AUMC’s Poe Middle School feeding program. “I grew up in a family that was very involved in our church,” says Melissa. “Our ancestors helped start the church. I was active in youth programs. So it was a big part of my life.” Andrew’s faith began at a very early age, too. “My dad is an

Episcopal minister,” he explains. “I was also very involved in youth ministry. I have strong formative experiences with the church.” He says denominations aren’t as important “as finding a church where you feel there is a good fit. I actually have roots in the Methodist Church. My great-grandparents were Methodist missionaries to Korea. The important thing is that I’m a Christian, and I want to pass that on to our children.” Andrew currently serves on the Staff Parish Relations Committee and is active in the Parents & Promises Sunday school class. Andrew is originally from Ithaca, NY, and went to the University of Rochester. He also has an MBA from the University of Virginia. He currently works at Cvent, a software company, as a business strategist. Melissa grew up in a small town near Albany, NY, and attended Siena College in Loudonville, NY. She earned a master’s degree in history from George Washington University and has been a middle school science and history teacher. They met in 2004 and married in 2008. For those who are new to AUMC, Melissa advises, “Find something you’re interested in. There are so many opportunities to volunteer and get involved.” Adds Andrew, “There’s no limit to the ways you can serve and share ideas.”

Andrew and Melissa Snyder: New members with strong ties to church

A Memorial Day tribute to our fallen service men and women

On Sunday, May 27, at 9:45 a.m., AUMC members and guests are invited to participate in a Memorial Day tribute in the AUMC Cemetery. At the heart of the event is the ceremonial installation of American flags on the gravesites of the 40 veterans interred there. The congregation will gather after the 8:32 a.m. service and proceed as a group to the cemetery. Boy Scouts from Troop 150 will raise the national colors at the flagpole, and we will hear brief ceremonial words. We will then walk as a group through the cemetery as three details implant American flags on the gravesites of all interred military service veterans. After the flag placements, we will congregate at the flagpole for the playing of taps. Everyone is invited for fellowship and refreshment in Wright Hall following the ceremony. Placing the stars and stripes on the gravesites of AUMC’s interred veterans is how church members and visitors bestow their deepest and most grateful recognition and honor to those who risked and gave their lives for the sake of our country.

If you would like to help with the flag installations or have any questions about AUMC Cemetery, contact Cemetery Manager Mike Moser at mmoser@annandale-umc.org or 703-591-1210.

703-256-8330 http://www.annandale-umc.org AUMC Witness 4

(Let Your Love Speak, continued from page 1)

Although our Social Principles and Book of Discipline affirm and protect women’s role and their full participation in the life of the church, the failure of these two amendments reveals the degree to which sexism is still widespread and prevalent in the life of the church. It also exposes the

disconnect between our belief in God’s love and our practice of God’s love. The writer of 1 John puts it plainly this way, “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates a brother or sister, that person is a liar, because the person who doesn’t love a brother or sister who can be seen can’t love God, who can’t be seen.” Our denomination’s decision to continue discriminating against women and girls and denying full access for other vulnerable groups to live a full and meaningful life deeply grieves the heart of God.

The hymn writer attests the world will know we are Christians by our love. Yet the love we practice in the church does not reflect the love God has shown us in the person of Jesus Christ, who taught and practiced an inclusive love ethic. The apostle Paul, one of the earliest persecutors of the church, later had a conversion experience that left him declaring that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. Yet the church continues to make exceptions to who is deserving of God’s love.

God is deeply grieved, and we should be too. The church has done much good, but the church also continues to cause much harm. Today, more than ever, we must authentically live into our baptismal vows, addressing the evils and injustices that plague our world and the church. There is much work to be done to foster the inclusion and liberation of all God’s children in the life of the church and the world. What will your part be in this work? How will the work you do here and now speak for you? How will you live out Jesus’ commandment to love God and love neighbor, no caveats attached? How will you strive for a church and world that honors every person as a beloved child of God, made in the image and likeness of our Creator? Now, more than ever, is the time to let our love speak.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Chenda

Interfaith Communities for Dialogue and “A Day to Serve”

Interfaith Communities for Dialogue (ICD) is a community-based organization, established in 2004, to promote understanding, respect and relationships among religiously and culturally diverse communities in Fairfax County and surrounding localities. The vision of ICD is a community where people of diverse faiths and cultures are valued, included and protected.

AUMC joined ICD in September of last year. With the addition of AUMC, there are now nine houses of worship that meet monthly to plan opportunities to build relationships and foster better understanding in our community. One of the ways ICD does this is by promoting opportunities for different faith groups to come together in service through “A Day to Serve.”

This June, AUMC, Durga Temple and Dar Al Hijrah will team up to cook and serve a meal for Safe Haven, make 700 sandwiches for AUMC's Mission Center and hold a food drive for ACCA. We will be cooking for Safe Haven on June 20, 7–9 p.m., and serving Safe Haven guests on June 21, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Sandwiches will be made at the Mission Center on June 21, 3 – 5 p.m., and the ACCA food drive is on June 23. If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, contact Molly Wilmarth at 703-509-1416 or molly.wilmarth@yahoo.com.

Kairos Thank You

Thank you very much for your Kairos cookies, prayers and placemats for the Kairos Prison Ministry program at Greensville Correctional Center, April 12-15. Lives were touched by God's amazing love, new and refreshed spiritual journeys were started, and God's gracious forgiveness was extended.

If you would like to learn more about Kairos, you are cordially invited to attend our Kairos Informational Dinner, Saturday, May 19, 5:30 p.m.–8 p.m., in Wright Hall. Please RSVP to Bill Iwig at bethesda.duo@verizon.net or call 301-365-7532.

Thank you and God bless you,AUMC Kairos Team

703-256-8330 http://www.annandale-umc.org AUMC Witness 5

Flowers on the Altar Needed: If you would like to place flowers on the altar in memory or honor of a loved one, please circle the date(s) you wish and return this form with a check, made payable to AUMC. Cost: $30 per

arrangement. Flowers are not placed on the altar on the first Sunday of each month, Communion Sunday; the Sunday before Christmas has special flowers.

May 20 27June 10 17 24July 8 15 22August 12 19 26September 23October 21November 11 18December 30

Name of Donor: ______________________________

Phone:_________________

r In Memory of r In Honor of (check one)____________________________________________I/we wish to leave the flowers for distribution to shut-ins or those in the hospital. YES _____ NO ______

Many thanks to all who have helped with the Poe feeding program As another year ends at Poe Middle School, I would like to thank all those who have made this a wonderful mission program. We started this program over five years ago and have served over 6,000 meals this year alone. I am truly blessed to be at such a wonderful church. If you are interested in assisting with serving, baking cookies or prepping the food that we serve, please let me know. It is a great time when you see a child smile because they have a meal to eat. This mission starts in October and ends the last Tuesday of May with an ice cream social for the kids.

A special thank you goes to Dr. Clarence Brown for starting this mission and to Jaie Brown for stepping up to be a team leader. You both will be truly missed!

The other two leaders are Pat Sherfey and Betsy Clevenger. Thank you, Pat and Gary, for always being able to go shopping for the food. Dale Ruhter, thank you for stepping in when Pat and Gary are away. Betsy, thank you for always never needing any helpers!

I also want to thank Jennifer and Denny Stokes for volunteering to be the team leaders for week 3, beginning in October. Thank you!

Also, a big thank you goes to all of the cookie fairies who have baked our cookies!

Sheila Kyer703-981-6080

This year’s Poe team leaders and members:

Pat Sherfey: Gary Sherfey, Molly Wilmarth, Marie Cavanagh, Jessica Vance, Memrie and Rhodes McKay-Cook, Jolie

Fleming, Melissa Snyder, Susan Williams, Ron Torezan, Dana Goward, Dale Ruhter, Debbie Strickland, Linda Clarke

Sheila Kyer: Sindy Keplinger, Fred and Wanda Warren, Lou Anne Hemmings, Daniel Chen, Bethany Jones

Jaie Brown: Sally Bizer, Judy McConville, Jennifer and Denny Stokes, Evie and Bob Herbst, Jan and Bruce Herman, Ron

Torezan, Susan and John Clarke, and Ravy Ruth

Betsy Clevenger: Trisha Martino-Shapiro, Mark Pearson, Bill Iwig, Jerry Beyer, Eldon Hildebrandt, Tom Moore

703-256-8330 http://www.annandale-umc.org AUMC Witness 6

Vacation Bible School, June 18–22 This year’s VBS, “The Vine,” will be a week of fun, friendship, learning and growing together as followers of Jesus. VBS is open to all children ages 3 (before Sept. 30, 2017) to completed fourth grade. The cost is $20 for the first child and $10 for each additional child ($40 maximum per family). More information about registration, online payment and volunteering can be found at www.annandale-umc.org under the Children’s Ministries section. For more information, contact Ruth Anne Luckenbaugh at rluckenbaugh@annandale-umc.org or call 703-256-8330.

NEXT DEADLINE: Friday, June 1, is the deadline for the June 12 Witness, which covers June 17 and 24, and July 1, 8, and 15.

Tues., May 15 Church Council 7 p.m. Room 302 Tues., May 22 SPRC 7 p.m. Room 210Tues., June 5 Trustees 7 p.m. Room 303 Wed., June 6 Stephen Ministry 7 p.m. Room 303 Tues., June 12 Finance Committee 7 p.m. Room 210Tues., June 12 Missions Committee 7 p.m. Room 302

MINISTRY MEETINGS

WEEKLY VOLUNTEERS

Sunday, May 20Door greeters: 8:10 S. Fleming, S. Naugle; 9:30 M. Pearson; 10:30 P. SnitzerFront desk greeters: 8:32 B. Frush, 11 F. HillUshers: 8:32 J. Clarke, A. Cogswell, G. FitzGibbon, S. Fleming (c) 11 S. Chase, J. Haymaker, J. Thomas, P. Adams (c)

Sunday, May 27Door greeters: 8:10 J. Vance, J. Beyer; 9:30 D. Ruhter; 10:30 D. JohnsonFront desk greeters: 8:32 B./E. Herbst, 11 A. LohrUshers: 8:32 C. Jones, C. Jones, A. Powell, E. McKenney (c) 11 S. Fleming, F. Madill, R. Gordon, R. Witkowski (c)

Sunday, June 3Door greeters: 8:10 C. Cox, S. Fleming; 9:30 M. Pearson; 10:30 P. SnitzerFront desk greeters: 8:32 S. Kyer/S.K., 11 K. NietzeyUshers: 8:32 W. Annan, A. Cogswell, A. Powell, S. Fleming (c) 11 J. Haymaker, T. Rose, R. Gordon, P. Snitzer (c)

Sunday, June 10, 10:30 a.m. onlyDoor greeters: S. Naugle, J. Vance, D. Ruhter, D. JohnsonFront desk greeters: M. McCarthy, N./B. SayreUshers: J. Clarke, G. FitzGibbon, G. Sherfey, P. Sherfey, R. Patton, R. Gordon, R. Witkowski, P. Adams