SAINT JOHN'S AT THE CROSSROADS

Volume 29 Number 38 June 15, 2014www.stjohnsnorwood.org

FROM THE RECTOREvangelism. There are good reasons why many of us are uncomfortable with this word, not least of which isthe fact that traditional evangelism does have the tendency toward a top-down, Bible pushing, context-denying, I-know-what's-best-for-you modus operandi that often lacks an appreciation for the reality andworld-view of the other. (Can you tell that I have issues with this!)My own discomfort with traditional evangelism is rooted in my years living in the Bible Belt and seeing(sometimes myself the victim of) some of the worst expressions of this otherwise sacred calling: to share theGood News of the Gospel with all people. Having experienced my own spiritual awakening in the South, Imyself was very much exposed to, and immersed in, a context of evangelism, and spent much of my timeactively sharing Christ with people. The problem is that even for me, I can look back and see my owntendency to "push" my faith on others in a way that lacked a true appreciation for where they were comingfrom.Although my motivation in doing so always came from a genuine place of hoping people would come toknow and experience that same extravagant and life-changing love of Christ that I had encountered, andalthough this desire has never really waned in me, I have come to believe that, following the example of Jesus,sharing the Gospel is much more about about how we treat people, and the way we live, rather than what wesay. Words are indeed powerful, but only if they elucidate actions that have already made a difference in, andbrought hope to, the lives of others.Given the history of the abuses of evangelism, and my own negative experiences with it, you will typicallynot find me wearing my clergy collar in public, or driving with a religious bumper sticker on my car, muchless standing on a street corner handing out spiritual tracts, or even brochures for our church. To me, all ofthe above seem to be missing the essential ingredient of true and Christ-modeled evangelism (a word that Istill have issues with): namely Love-action. I have come to believe, therefore, that the truest and most pureevangelistic questions to be asked are, "Where can I share the love of Christ? Who needs a touch of God'shope? What act of love and care will make a difference in my community?"As a church, we are called to evangelism. It is programmed into our DNA to bring the good news of theGospel of Christ to the community and the world beyond our walls. Not with words, but with action. It is ourtask, therefore, to discern together where we might have the best opportunity to make the greatest impact.The good news is that we are already on this path of discovery, as the Vision Team continues to do the heavylifting of information gathering from both St. John's and the broader community in order to (as a first step)present you with an analysis of possible points of intersection between St. John's and Bethesda-Chevy Chase;between our greatest gifts, strengths, and joys as a church, and some of the greatest needs in the broadercommunity in which we are located.I am so proud of us, St. John's. We, as a church, are blessed with internal health and are thriving as acommunity, and yet we never stop asking how we can be a blessing to those beyond our walls. This is what itmeans to be a faithful church. This is what healthy and responsible evangelism-in-the-works looks like.Thank you for being who you are.

Yours in Christ,Sari+

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Passages"If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member ishonored, all rejoice together with it." 1 Cor. 12:26

We join in mourning the death of Marie Parker,Edith Johnson's mother, who died June 3rd after avery brief stay in the hospital following surgery.Please contact the Office if you have a birth, baptism, wedding,death, or other passage to share with the Parish.

June 15 is Outreach Sunday forSamaritan MinistryIt is also Father’s Day and we will have our AnnualToiletries Collection. Many St John’s parishionershave been faithful Samaritan Ministry supporters,attending events, making financial pledges anddonations, and contributing Christmas gifts andtoiletries. SMGW appreciates this and counts onpartner parish support like St. John’s.Participants in SMGW's Next Step program arewelcomed into safe, supportive environments in allthree of its office locations that allow them thefreedom to set goals and work with case workers onnext steps. They are given the resources and supportthey need — housing and employment searchguidance, computer mentoring, referrals to partnerservice providers, and more — to fulfill those goals.They are listened to and treated like family. In thepast year, 1071 participants were served, 320 werenew intakes, 164 updated or completed a resume, 248received computer mentoring, 37 obtained housingor shelter, and 131 found work or improved theiremployment situation.You can help support this program in several ways:one is to fill a bag with toiletries. For those who arejobless or homeless, a donated personal care itemcan make a difference. In addition, it is anopportunity give a gift in honor, or in memory, ofyour father, and he will receive a letter from theparish informing him of your gift. Also, as usual,Sunday's loose plate offering will be given toSamaritan Ministry of Greater Washington.In addition, this year, we are requesting that youconsider making a special contribution to SMGW’snew Empower the Homeless Campaign. Since thediscontinuation of the Fannie Mae’s “Help theHomeless” program, SMGW seized the opportunityto create its own campaign, focusing on“empowering” not just “helping.” All gifts will bematched at 25% up to the first $200,000 raised. Tomake a contribution please make checks payable toSamaritan Ministry.

Carolyn Peirce,Cecilia Smith,Liz Everhart

Being 13We have four more new teens bringing light and lifeto our community. They participated in the Rite 13ceremony at the 11:15 service on June 1, the firsttime that this service has had the chance to enjoythis ritual. I would like to introduce them to you.Jessica Zehner, now that it's summer, may bespotted racing down the pool for the North ChevyChase Sharks. She's rarely out of the pool, since shepractices six days a week, year round, with the All-Star Aquatics. Yet Jessica also plays mid-field on asoccer team and picks up the baritone to play withthe Westland Jazz Band. Like all of these four teens,she's finishing seventh grade at Westland MiddleSchool. She'll head to Camp Joy for the first time inJuly, with her older brother and sister, and she's aregular at St. John's in church school, choir, and theacolyte team, too. Jessica's watchword is balance,and her words of advice focus on that: manage yourtime so that you can spread it evenly over yourinterests and duties. Organization shows up inanother passion of Jessica's: interior design. She likesher spaces to look good and function well. Hershowcase might be her school locker. When freetime rolls around, you may find Jessica watching"Parks and Recreation" or joining her friends in oneof the parks in Bethesda.Owen Walsh likes math best of his subjects, whichinclude Chinese. Owen pulled off a feat of retentionin a game in the last Rite 13 class, naming Jesus'disciples and knowing all Ten Commandments --give this a try! Owen is a tennis player, and for threeyears he's been diving for his swim team, also theNCC Sharks. His reverse flip is his best in that arena.

"Being 13," continued on p. 5

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Why St. John’s? Liturgy of Welcome(6/15)Why did you walk into St. John’s for the first time?What is this faith community all about? How do Iget to find out more information about the EpiscopalChurch and what is going on at St. John’s? Whatdoes it mean to join? These and many morequestions will be addressed by attending anInquirers' Class or speaking with a member of theclergy, Vestry, or Connections Committee.For those who do find that they want to join St.John’s community, a Liturgy of Welcome will be heldSunday, June 15, as part of the 8:00, 10:00 AM, and5:00 PM services. A new member reception will beheld after the 10 AM combined service outside onthe Tower Lawn (weather permitting) or in theParish Hall, and there will be a reception at 6 PM forthose being welcomed at the 5 PM service.Here is some information about joining St. John’s.What does it mean to be a member of St.John’s? If you feel that you have found a spiritualhome at St. John’s, then please consider us yourfamily. Although there are many formal definitionsof what constitutes a member, including baptism inthe Christian faith, what it ultimately comes down tois whether one desires to be an active participant inthat family. Being an active participant meansunderstanding that church is not only aboutreceiving, it is also about giving; and when werecognize the beauty of this reciprocity, and join themission of the church by giving of our time, talent,and treasure, we have become active, participatingmembers of the family.What is the Liturgy of Welcome? The Liturgy ofWelcome is an opportunity, held a few times a year,to recognize new members of the parish formallyand introduce them to the congregation. This briefceremony occurs during the service.Do we have to participate in the liturgy ofwelcome? No, not at all. But we hope you willdecide to let us welcome and get to know you better.If you can’t make it this time, another liturgy will beheld in a few months.Are children included? Absolutely (as in all eventsat St. John’s), children are welcome!

What if we have questions about membership, theparish, or something else? Please feel free to speak toone of the clergy (church office 301-654-7767) oroffice[at]stjohnsnorwood.com, or a member of theConnections Committee (Margaret Uhar (301/229-7657/mrduhar[at]gmail.com).Connections Committee

4 Years, 7 Graduates of EfM (6/15)Join us on Sunday, June 15, as we receive ourgraduation certificates for four years of study fromthe University of the South (Sewanee) Education forMinistry (EfM) program. The seven graduates are:Nancy Derr, Lesley Krauland, Jay Mallin, CathyO’Donnell, Barbara Ordway, Lee Walsh, and NancyWatson.Starting in 2010 and mentored by Professor PatriciaBleicher, a 30 year veteran of the EfM program, wehave studied the Hebrew Bible (our Old Testament),the New Testament, 2,000 years of Church History,and some past and current theologians. We haveshared dinner and worship each week, and sharedour spiritual autobiographies each year. We haveeach shared our love of Christ with one another andbecome a very close knit group, so much so that weintend to continue meeting monthly to have a bookdiscussion. We are very excited to share ourministries with members of St. John’s and ourcommunity. Please join us!

Cathy O'Donnell

Beautification (6/21)On Saturday morning, June 21, the St. John'sProperty Committee will host its final beautificationday before having a summer break. We plan tocomplete the repairs to the air-conditioningenclosure outside the chapel, do some further gardencleanup, and undertake other tasks as time andnumbers of volunteers permit. We will gather at9AM in the West Avenue lobby with donuts andbagels provided. Beautification Days keep thebuilding looking good while keeping costs down. It'sa fun way to meet other parishioners and volunteerwithout making a major commitment.

Property Committee Co-chairs,John Gallivan and Tim Dobbyn

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Felix Hora Pub CrawlSaturday, June 21, at 3 PMJoin us for fellowship, starting at the TyberBierhaus in Bethesda, then Gillys in Rockville,and last, time permitting, Dietles in Rockville. Wewill use Metro, but you can always drive and meetus at any stop. Souvenir t-shirts to wear will beprovided (thanks to Rachel!).To RSVP by Sunday, June 15, or for more details,including exact pub times, contact Heidi Weber,heidiweber1[AT]gmail.com

Wednesday Bible Study:Summer Video DiscussionsBack by popular demand, the Wednesday BibleStudy will meet this summer from June 11through July 30, 10:30-11:30 AM in the Library.We’ll watch and discuss a short video each week;no need to prepare in advance. All are welcome todrop in or join us weekly. Contact: Sarah+

Shepherd’s Table Needs YouShepherd’s Table, a nonprofit organization inSilver Spring, helps the homeless and those inneed by providing meals 7 nights a week, andother basic services. The organization served12,132 dinners in the first quarter of 2014.St. John’s supports Shepherd’s Table by preparing,delivering, and serving a meal of chili, cornbread,and coleslaw on the fourth Sunday of everymonth. This outreach activity relies on volunteersto bring ingredients, cook the chili, and deliverand serve the meal. We currently have sixopenings for volunteers to bring an ingredient(e.g., 5 lbs. hamburger, 5 heads shredded cabbage)once every three months. Although St. John’sallocates a small budget for purchasing some chiliingredients in bulk, other items are providedentirely by parishioners. Please help our lessfortunate neighbors by contacting Colleen Parent(colleen_parent[AT]yahoo.com) and volunteeringto bring an ingredient.

Margaret Uhar

Women's Book GroupThe next meeting of the Women's Book Group will beMonday, July 7. Maybe more relaxed summer scheduleswill allow some newcomers to think about joining useven if just for an experimental visit. And, do bringyour ideas for reading selectionsWhile our book selections will continue to focus onwomen authors of fiction, we do also choose non-fictionand are open to other suggestions. If you're interestedin joining us, please send your name and e-mail addressto STJN.bookgroup[AT]gmail.com. You'll be notified bye-mail of up-coming meeting locations and readings.And also check Crossroads for our monthly notice.Note that there will be no August meeting to givepeople a chance to read September's long selection.Upcoming meeting dates and reading selections are asfollows:

7/7/2014 My Beloved World by Sonia SotomayorAugust - no meeting9/8/2014 Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie10/6/14 Where'd You Go, Bernadette: a novel, byMaria SempleHope to see you in July.

Mary Chyun

Men's Book Club (9/10)An Ordinary Man and Remarkable President

David McCullough has written the definitive biographyof Harry Truman, called simply, Truman. This PulitzerPrize-winning book tells the story of Truman from hishumble and rather unpromising roots in small townMissouri, his honorable service in WWI, his slow rise inpolitics which was distinguished mostly by hisremarkable insistence on honesty, his sudden rise toVice President to a dying FDR, and ultimately hisservice as President in the dangerous years at the endof, and in the immediate aftermath of, WWII. TheMen’s Book Club has read two prior works byMcCulloch, and this tale is quintessentially McCulloch:smoothly written, intimate as to the subject and thosearound him, and worldly in its frame of reference. Wegather again on Wednesday, September 10, at RobinPirie’s home at 7:30. Hope to see you there.Earle O’Donnell

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Being 13, continued from p. 1Empty Nest Syndrome SolutionA Wider Circle will make a free pickup of bedsand other essentials to furnish the empty roomsof those in poverty. It is a win-win situation foryou and your family. To schedule your freepickup, email furnish[AT]awidercircle.org orphone 301/608-3504.If you have some sons or daughters looking forvolunteer work this summer, their serviceswould be welcome to help with pickups.A Wider Circle is an Outreach Committee-designated nonprofit organization.

Peg LowerThe Pride Parade

What a wonderful day it was to enjoy the fruitsof St. John’s diversity and commitment to justiceissues. The parade was a celebration and thegathering of 20+ parishioners to march was adelight. From small children to seniors, wewalked and rode with dignity and pride.I was struck with how much out of my “comfortzone” I was and yet surrounded by people I knowand worship with, it seemed the right thing todo. It is so easy to be in a “no risk suburbanzone” for days, weeks or even months where myfaith is easy and the burdens are light. But goingdown on the Metro, walking over to DuPontCircle, finding the group from St. John’s,marching through 100,000 happy, cheering -sometimes strangely dressed – people ... it’s notsomething I normally do on a Saturdayafternoon!But, I did and I’m so proud to be part of a churchthat takes the risk to put its beliefs to publicscrutiny and say, ALL are welcome at this place.Thanks to Kurt Ellison who organized ourparticipation, the Vestry and clergy who showedup and said, “THIS is St. John’s Episcopal Churchat the crossroads of faith and life." It helps to putshoe leather on those words we say in theBaptismal Covenant "Do you promise to respectthe dignity of every human being?" "I do."

Joe Clark

On Sunday, Owen is at church; he's often an acolyte at 9,in church school at 10, and enjoying Youth Group at5:30. He and his older brother will both be part of theCamp Joy work team. At home he and his brothers get akick out of WWE wrestling, Play Station, "Law andOrder" and the family cats, F-cat and Trudy. Owenanticipates, as an older teen, the satisfactions both ofdriving and of getting a job. He recommends that peopleaccept the inevitability of homework and keep theirgrades up.Malaina Galic's schedule is packed with sports. Sheplays classic soccer and she's on a travel basketball team,playing point guard. Her summer is full of camps ofboth soccer and basketball, and she is also headed toMexico with her family, where she and her older brotherwill be the two Spanish-speakers. She looks forward tothe outdoor activities they all like to do together. Herfavorite subject at school is science. It's entertaining toher, because the facts are so fascinating. She also likesthe relaxation and fun of being in the chorus. Her petsare two guinea pigs, Jamie and Bailey Meg. If she finds abreak, she likes to watch "Sam and Cat," a new TV showabout two friends. Malaina knows that as she gets olderthere will be more responsibilities in her life, and morepeople relying on her. Her advice is to be nice to people.Go out of your way for others.Meg Doran picked chorus as her favorite subject; mathwas "OK." She knows it won't be long before high schoolwill bring its greater demands, but she still looksforward to growing older and to the independencedriving will bring. For now, Meg walks from her homedown into Bethesda's downtown to enjoy her friends.She plays field hockey, and she likes to ski in the winterat Wisp. At home there's her older brother and her dogCinnamon. Meg enjoys putting together interestingoutfits, so she shops when she can. Her favorite store isForever 21. This summer she will be fostering a litter ofpuppies from a shelter; all year Meg volunteers with "K-9 Lifesavers" to help get dogs adopted from shelters.Meg had some good advice from her experience: don'tget caught up in stuff that doesn't really matter. Keepfocused on what you care about most.You can see these engaging teens, as well as the Maygroup of seven, pictured on the West Avenue bulletinboard. We are happy to know them better!

Nancy Derr, Church School Director

SAINT JOHN'S AT THE CROSSROADSSaint John’s at the Crossroads (USPS 756­490) is published weekly (except biweekly June—August) by Saint John’s EpiscopalChurch, Norwood Parish, 6701 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase MD 20815­5351; telephone 301/654­7767; fax 301/654­8830; emailoffice @ stjohnsnorwood.org. Periodicals postage paid at Suburban MD 20898. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes toSAINT JOHN’S AT THE CROSSROADS, St. John’s Church, 6701 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815­5351.

If you wish to be removed from the Saint John’s mailing list,or no longer wish to receive the Saint John’s at theCrossroads newsletter, please let the office know.The next Crossroads will be dated Sunday, 6/29.Note: The editor and church staff reserve the right todetermine the content of Crossroads and edit for grammar orlength requirements (article limit, 150 words).Final article drafts must be submitted to the Parish Office bythe *Sunday* prior to publication date (above). One mayemail articles to newsletter@stjohnsnorwood.org (with“Crossroads” in the subject line). Sending text in the body ofthe e­mail is preferred.

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Sunday, June 15, 20148:00 AM Simple, Spoken Holy Eucharist - Chapel9:00-1:00 Parish Library Open10:00 AM Children's Chapel - Hines Hall10:00 AM Combined Service Holy Eucharist - Nave11:00 AM Bible Study - Library11:00 AM New Member Welcome Reception - (locationTBA)4:45-6:30 Parish Library Open - Library5:00 PM Come As You Are Holy Eucharist - Nave5:45 PM New Member Welcome Reception - (locationTBA)Tuesday, June 17, 20141:30 PM Church Staff - Rector's Office4:00-6:00 Parish Library Open - Library8:00 PM Vestry [open meeting] - Lounge, Parish HallWednesday, June 18, 201410:30 AM Bible Study - Library12:00 PM Holy Eucharist and Healing - Chapel1:00-4:00 Librarian Is In - LibrarySaturday, June 21, 20149:00 AM Beautification Day3:00 PM Felix Hora Pub Crawl - (offsite)Sunday, June 22, 20148:00 AM Simple, Spoken Holy Eucharist - ChapelShepherd's Table Food Preparation - Kitchen9:00-1:00 Parish Library Open10:00 AM Children's Chapel - Hines Hall10:00 AM Combined Service Holy Eucharist - Nave11:00 AM Bible Study - LibraryLemonade on the Lawn - Parish Hall, TowerLawn4:45-6:30 Parish Library Open - Library5:00 PM Come As You Are Holy Eucharist - NaveMonday, June 23, 20147:30 PM Outreach Committee - LibraryTuesday, June 24, 20141:30 PM Church Staff - Rector's Office4:00-6:00 Parish Library Open - Library7:30 PM Communications Committee - Lounge

Wednesday, June 25, 201410:30 AM Bible Study - Library12:00 PM Holy Eucharist and Healing - Chapel1:00-4:00 Librarian Is In - LibrarySunday, June 29, 20148:00 AM Simple, Spoken Holy Eucharist - Chapel9:00-1:00 Parish Library Open10:00 AM Children's Chapel - Hines Hall10:00 AM Combined Service Holy Eucharist - Nave11:00 AM Bible Study - LibraryDiocesan Palestine partnership meeting -LoungeLemonade on the Lawn - Parish Hall, TowerLawn4:45-6:30 Parish Library Open - Library5:00 PM Come As You Are Holy Eucharist - Nave

Summer Newsletter Bi-WeeklyPublication:

June 1 , June 1 5 , June 29,July 1 3, July 27, Aug 1 0, Aug 24

deadline = one week prior to edition date