THIS SUNDAY
We have the privilege of having the St. Olaf Choir with us for worship. Remember - one service at 10:00 AM. The gospel lesson continues with a message of Christ's authority, his healing power, and the growing anticipation of the people that Christ will free them from oppression. Come to experience what we know will be a beautiful expression of music and word.
The St. Olaf Choir is hosting a luncheon for high school students and their parents at 12:00 Noon. If you are interested and have not purchased tickets, they are available by contacting Sarah Patterson. The St. Olaf choir is also presenting a full concert at the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda on Monday, February 6, at 7:30 PM. For tickets, visit the Strathmore webiste at www.strathmore.org.
LOOKING AHEAD
The 10th Annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days will beMarch 23-26, 2012 in Washington. If you are interested in attending this event, more information is available at www.AdvocacyDays.org.
REMINDER
Our youth are collecting electronics (cell phones, laptops, cameras, etc.) or jewelry as a way to raise money for the ELCA Youth Gathering. Look around and see what you have that you are no longer using that would benefit this project and bring it in!
OPENING PRAYER TO U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Pastor Wilker was asked to give the opening prayer at the U. S. House of Representatives the morning of January 21! Below is a copy of his prayer for the nation.
Gracious God, you give us light in the darkness. We praise you for the galaxies, stars, planets and moon that shine in the night. We bless you for lamps and candles that illumine our communities. We thank you for the fires that warm our homes and energize our work.
We repent for the ways we pollute the beauty of the night, the ways we extinguish the light of companionship, the ways we fail to share your warmth.
Enlighten our darkness. Be the Dayspring for those suffering from addiction and illness. Be the Bright Morning Star for those grieving. Be the Sun of Justice for those living under oppression and in poverty. Be the Cleansing Fire for those who survive violence and warfare.
Traveling, send us with your light to share with friends and strangers. Welcoming, light our gatherings with your love. Searching for justice and peace, light our way. Amen
Nooma
Nooma (from the Greek word for “breath” or ”spirit”) is a series of 24 short films, to cycle through in the coming months. Each Sunday you are invited to meet in Parish Hall at 9:45 AM and watch a 10-15 minute film, then consider guided questions on a theme. Each session is independent of the others, so you can visit or leave at any time in the coming fall or winter. Participants from all age groups can join in. Questions? Contact Anne Sanyi at the church office.
Small Groups
Small Groups are meeting Sunday mornings at 9:45 AM and Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM. If you are interested in joining the next 6 week session please contact Diane Liesman in the church office.
2.1.12 Our new Vicar was installed last Sunday! Also, the youth - and our wonderful auctioneer - did a terrific job with the auction of baked goods to benefit the food pantry --$9,800 was raised! Thank you to all who participated!
1.12.12 The Children's Epiphany Pageant was, once again, a very sweet way of telling the story of the wise men bringing gifts to the Christ child. Great job - thanks to each of those who participated! We were also reminded that we are to bring forth our own gifts, as the stewardship campaign was kicked off by temple talks.
1.5.12 Happy New Year To All !
Plan to come this coming Sunday for the Children's Epiphany Pageant at the 11:00 AM service. It promises to be a delightful presentation of the Epiphany story!
12.21.11 What a wonderful Service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday! Thanks go out to all who participated in this service and the caroling after!
We were also participants in a baptism and the installation of new members. What a blessing!
11.30.11 REMINDERS -
The November/December Visitor is available on the web at reformationdc.org and in the narthex.
Look for the Poinsettia order form in your Weekly Visitor! Deadline is December 11.
We have been busy getting ready for our traditional Christmas Giving. Plan to bring home-made cookies, snacks, and gifts ready for packing on December 11! See the Visitor for more details.
11.22.11 Saturday we enjoyed the installation of Pastor Wilker. Thank you to all who came to celebrate! Check back soon for Christmas happenings!
11.17.11 We had a joyful service on Sunday with Pastor Uirab as our guest! Pastor Wilker has been keeping our guest from Namibia very busy, and we are grateful to all those who helped in the planning of his very busy trip!
11.10.11 We had a beautiful service on All Saints Sunday with the Roll Call of the Saints and the rousing hymn When the Saints Go Marching In sung by the choir at 11:00. Pastor Wilker shared moving stories of four saints in his life that have helped him on his journey of faith and service.
And, we were blessed to witness two baptisms, Jordan Batson at the early service and Warren Coppess at the later one. During the children's sermon, little ones of family members and the congregation gathered around the baptismal font as Pastor Wilker helped them understand the importance of baptism -- the beginning of their new life in the church.10.27.11 Last Sunday, Pastor Wilker pointed us to the instructive way in which Jesus turned a debate about the law into one about Him as the coming Messiah. He concluded his sermon by telling us a wonderful story about Judy Goodenough (yes, that is her real name) - her service in a woman's shelter and how a disturbing event changed her focus from one of simply serving to a real loving connection with those in her care.
This coming Sunday, October 30, is Reformation Sunday, and we have lots planned, so come and join us!10.20.11 Last Sunday, Pastor Wilker talked about God's sovereignty. The joy and enthusiasm that comes from serving a powerful, living God was so apparent in his voice and message that it was felt by all of us!
This coming Sunday, in addition to what promises to be another wonderful sermon at both 8:30 and 11:00 am, join us for Education Hour at 9:45 for another discussion following the NOOMA tape.
