St. Columba’s Newsletterfor and about the people of St. Columba’s Church, Washington, D.C.

HEROES

Vol. 53, No. 6 June 17, 1

I don’t believe we ever outgrow our need for heroes. But our specifications for them change as

we change. Even when the day comes that we realize it’s our turn to be the heroes—even when perhaps some-body actually walks up to us and anoints us with that unsettling phrase, “You are the one I look to for . . .”— still we go on searching for what we cannot do without: the image, or the memory of, or the meeting with that vivid person who lived, or lives, on the same earth we do and whose example will be powerful enough to show us how to go on.

Often, mysteriously, our heroes make themselves available to us just when we are most in need of their particular gifts. I’ve had heroes in my life: a 7th-grade teacher who instilled in me a love for poetry, an elfish Franciscan friar who taught me to pray, a bishop who taught me the deeper things about being a priest. We all have heroes.

Christian communities have heroes. Of course, I’m thinking of the elders who are known as “founders” and those others whose leadership and example allow congregations to face difficult times or embark in new directions. I’m also thinking of patron saints, for those parishes lucky enough to have one.

St. Columba is our befitting shepherd, the one whose life influ-ences our temperament, creativity and sense of adventure. One of my delights in coming to St. Columba’s was the anticipation of having such an irascible, free and faithful guide as the patron of our parish. We just

celebrated our annual St. Columba Day festival (see pages 6 and 7), which is reason enough to think of Colum Cille (his name in Gaelic). But I have other reasons as well.

For the past nine months I’ve been taking time to gaze at the images of Columba in stained glass and icon in our church nave and narthex. We’ve been using the vibrant colors and the silver-blue sea to influence the colors for our new website and, I hope, for a new set of festival vestments. Last September we began to ask for colors and words that evoke the spirit of St. Columba’s for you. Throughout the program year we held forums about the new mission statement and website. Just recently we asked your reactions to logo designs that include image and typeface—something we haven’t had before. It has been great

to receive your active feedback—of all kinds! It will influence our continuing work with our design team.

I know that we are on the brink of something new and renewed at St. Columba’s and here is where our patron can be our mentor. He excelled at an essential art of the Christian life, facing the future with openness, purpose and faith. He also knew that his mission was to tell the story of the gospel in every creative way possible, to a new generation of souls.

The work of this past year has been mostly quiet and behind the scenes. Key staff members and others have put many hours into our next way of communicating the good news of Christ in the urban landscape of a capital city and beyond. Our new tools of communication will allow us to reach out in better and more effective ways, especially to younger people in our midst.

Sixteen centuries ago Columba made his mark on that intertwined knot we call history. In his time and place he sought the guidance of God’s Spirit as he faced the sea and his mission to share the gospel. We cherish the intertwined knot of 136 years of parish life and history even as we weave the new cords of our own time. We weave a new chapter using the tools of our age and the faith of our forebears. St. Columba, continue your watchful gaze and give us your blessing!

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wORSHip The liturgy is at the heart of all we do.

TransitionsB Bid Godspeed to those who have transferred out: William Smyth Stanley to All Saints’ Church, Atlanta.

B Welcome those who have filled out newcomer cards: Jessica Belford, D.C.; Todd, Amanda, Will and Sam Crowley, Bethesda; Jean Frulla, Bethesda; Karen Graves, D.C.; Anne Kirby, Santa Monica, Calif.; Rob and Julie Silva, D.C.

B Welcome the newest members of Christ’s Church baptized May 23: Olivia Theresa Donnelly, daughter of Tammy and Craig Donnelly; and Margaret Ingrid Matal, daughter of Maren and Joe Matal; and baptized June 13: Ian McCusker Yoon, son of Catherine and Howard Yoon; George Taylor Cropp, son of Amy and Brian Cropp; Phoebe Anne Kramer, daughter of Maureen and Shane Kramer; and Charles Nabil Bassim, son of Carol and Nabil Bassim.

B Rejoice with Mary Wissemann and Andrew King, married on May 29.

B Rejoice with Ken Bailey and Julia Bailey for the birth of grandson and nephew Augustus Bailey; with Marge Mengers for the birth of grandson David Gerald Mengers, May 12; with Diana Cashen for the birth of grandsons Conrad Taylor Booher, Oct. 22, and Theodore Barclay Pryor, May 17; and with Susan and Tony Higgins for the birth of Alice Elise Higgins, June 1.

B Pray for those who are sick, especially Devan Tatlow

B Pray for those who have died: Mark Harrison, a Water Ministry guest; Douglas H. Taylor, uncle of Carol Tyrance-Graves; Gwendolyn Edwards, mother of Annette Davis, May 19; Boyd Garrison Forester, godson of Bill Riggs, May 25; James Madison Scribner III, father of Jamie-Lynne Scribner; Jane Robinson, stepsister of Susanna Barnett’s mother, June 1; Thelma Ruth Carter, grandmother of Claire Eager and mother of Mary Eager, June 6; and Judy Burnett Haynes, sister-in-law of Jamie Burnett, June 13.

What happens when you put a hundred or more preschool children and

their families in one room with a piano and a priest? Quite a lot, as it turns out. And that’s exactly what draws some people to the Great Hall services. But it takes a special kind of person to shepherd this unruly flock through the music. St. Columba’s is blessed with three talented musicians—Paul Barringer, Kathy Cooper and John Paul—who have offered to do just that over the past program year.

“John Paul was the first to sign on,” says music director John Hurd. “He teaches music at Beauvoir and his family attended the Great Hall before he started to volunteer.” Paul Barrin-ger had been a freelance jazz pianist for a time just out of school. Kathy has a B.A. in music (organ) and experience as a parish musician.

Strong musical leadership is a must in the Great Hall. Yet what draws

these volunteers to this ministry is so much more than the music. It’s the joy of watching children engage in worship. It’s also the opportunity to give something back. Says Paul Barringer, “How can you not love it? The services are simple, but also fun and energetic.” He laughs when recounting how children sometimes try to play the piano during services.

Pattie Ames says it best: “All glory, laud and honor to these three. They care enough and the service is important to them. After one of this past winter’s storms, Paul trekked to church with his children in knee-high snow to ensure there was a musician for the service. They’ve been great. We’re very fortunate to have them.”

Great Hall musicians play several times a month and there’s always room for more on the roster. Contact John Hurd (202-363-4119, ext. 226; jhurd@columba.org) if you’re interested.

– Anne Stone

Halle-halle-halle-lujah!

SundayS (in tHE navE)8 am EucHaRiStWith homily and without music. Coffee follows.

9:15 am EucHaRiSt fOR familiES witH pREScHOOl cHildREnStory-style telling of the gospel and songs children can sing. Coffee follows.

10:30 am EucHaRiStWith sermon, hymns and the healing rite. The Summer Singers sing (rehearsal at 9:45 am). Coffee follows.Child care is available for children 4 and under, 10–11:30 am.

11:30 am cOffEE HOuRCoffee, iced tea, lemonade and the chance to greet newcomers and catch up with one another.

5 pm EucHaRiStA relaxed, smaller service with a sermon, hymns and the healing rite.

wEEkdayS (in tHE cHapEl)mORning pRayER8:45 am Monday–Friday

tHE EucHaRiSt7 am Wednesday, followed by breakfast10 am Thursday, with the healing rite

HOly BaptiSmFor information on baptismal preparation and registration, contact Rose Duncan (rduncan@columba.org; 202-363-4119, ext. 212). Forms are due three weeks prior to baptism. A rehearsal is held the Saturday before baptism at 10 am. Upcoming baptism date: July 11, 9:15 and 10:30 (nave).

s u m m e r s e r v i c e s

St. Columbaʼs Newsletter, June 17, 2010 Page 3

s t . c o l u m b a ' s d i a r y

St. ColumbaʼS NewSletter (uSPS#002559) is published monthly by St. Columbaʼs episcopal Church, 4201 albemarle St., Nw, washington, D.C. 20016. telephone: 202-363-4119. the rev. Janet Vincent, rector; anne m. Stone, Director of Communications; rachid Gana, Printer. Second class postage paid at washington, D.C. Postmaster: Send address changes to St. Columbaʼs Newsletter, 4201 albemarle St., Nw, washington, D.C. 20016.

Bone Marrow Drive

On tues., may 25, a bone marrow drive was held in

the Great Hall to benefit Devan Tatlow, a student at St. Columba’s Nursery School who has leukemia and is in need of a bone marrow transplant. Parents, teachers and friends of the nursery school organized the event. More than 100 people, including St. Columba’s staff, parishioners, neighbors and others who had heard of Devan’s illness, registered to be bone marrow donors. Throughout the afternoon and evening, there was a fabulous bake sale organized by Devan’s teachers, Allison Basil and Liz Bilbao. Leftover baked goods were donated to the Water Ministry. The playground was packed at dinner-time for a performance by local child entertainer the Great Zucchini, who donated a free show in hopes of drawing even more donors. Devan, his parents and his grand-father took in the sunset show in

the courtyard, and there was much laughter and fun for all. For more about Devan, including a link to a CBS News feature segment, and for information on becoming a bone marrow donor, please visit www.matchdevan.com. The need for donors is urgent, and it takes just a few minutes to enter the national registry.

– Corinne Lammers

Plant Sale Update

There wasn’t supposed to be a plant sale this year. The

Honduras Mission Group, which has put in countless plant sale hours over the years, told me they could no longer do it. Since there wasn’t time to recruit another group, I announced a sabbatical year. I grew some plants anyway, but offered them to a plant sale at Capital Hospice. There were leftovers. Still a plant sale in 2010 was not auspicious. Nobody expected it. The weather was cold, with a biting wind. I had only 21 trays of plants. Then God took over. Dustin Davis arranged for tables. American Plant Food and Whole Foods donated boxes. Henry Beale carried trays. Luann Fortune donated tulip poplar cuttings and a hand at selling. Bob Deyling brought tomato seedlings. Customers appeared and, with half the proceeds for outreach and half for music, contributed more than $700. Like the loaves and fishes, there are still leftover plants.

– Susan Beale

Far left: Senior Warden John Nolan and vestry member Schroeder Stribling joined other St. Columbans who attended the May 27 Living in the City benefit for Transitional Housing Corporation (THC). St. Columba’s continues to support THC in its mission to provide transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, homeless prevention and rapid re-housing programs, as well as affordable rental housing in Ward 4.

Left: On June 6, members of our newest mission group attended a special service to dedicate a new campus for the Bishop Walker School in Southeast Washington. The service was held at the Church of the Holy Communion with Bishop John Bryson Chane blessing the new school grounds.

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The following letter is a response to a statement by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, found at www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/2876. An audio version of the letter below is also available at www.episcopalchurch.org.

Pentecost is most fundamen-tally a continuing gift of the Spirit, rather than a limitation

or quenching of that Spirit.The recent statement by the Arch-

bishop of Canterbury about the struggles within the Anglican Com-munion seems to equate Pentecost with a single understanding of gospel realities. Those who received the gift of the Spirit on that day all heard good news. The crowd reported, “in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power” (Acts 2:11).

The Spirit does seem to be saying to many within The Episcopal Church that gay and lesbian persons are God’s good creation, that an aspect of good creation is the possibility of lifelong, faithful partnership, and that such persons may indeed be good and healthy exemplars of gifted leadership within the Church, as baptized leaders and ordained ones. The Spirit also seems to be saying the same thing in other parts of the Anglican Commu-nion, and among some of our Chris-tian partners, including Lutheran churches in North America and Europe, the Old Catholic churches of Europe, and a number of others.

That growing awareness does not deny the reality that many Anglicans and not a few Episcopalians still

bishop from 2003 to 2010. When a diocese elected such a person in late 2009, the ensuing consent process indicated that a majority of the laity, clergy, and bishops responsible for validating that election agreed that there was no substantive bar to the consecration.

The Episcopal Church recognizes that these decisions are problematic to a number of other Anglicans. We have not made these decisions lightly. We recognize that the Spirit has not been widely heard in the same way in other parts of the Communion. In all humility, we recognize that we may be wrong, yet we have proceeded in the belief that the Spirit permeates our decisions.

We also recognize that the attempts to impose a singular understanding in such matters represent the same kind of cultural excesses practiced by many of our colonial forebears in their missionizing activity. Native Hawaiians were forced to abandon their traditional dress in favor of missionaries’ standards of modesty. Native Americans were forced to abandon many of their cultural practices, even though they were fully congruent with orthodox Christianity, because the missionaries did not understand or consider those prac-tices exemplary of the Spirit. The uniformity imposed at the Synod of Whitby did similar violence to a developing, contextual Christianity in the British Isles. In their search for uniformity, our forebears in the faith have repeatedly done much spiritual violence in the name of Christianity.

We do not seek to impose our

fervently hold traditional views about human sexuality. This Episcopal Church is a broad and inclusive enough tent to hold that variety. The willingness to live in tension is a hallmark of Anglicanism, beginning from its roots in Celtic Christianity pushing up against Roman Christian-ity in the centuries of the first millen-nium. That diversity in community was solidified in the Elizabethan Settlement, which really marks the beginning of Anglican Christianity as a distinct movement. Above all, it recognizes that the Spirit may be speaking to all of us, in ways that do not at present seem to cohere or agree. It also recognizes what Jesus says about the Spirit to his followers, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come” (John 16:12-13).

The Episcopal Church has spent nearly 50 years listening to and for the Spirit in these matters. While it is clear that not all within this Church have heard the same message, the current developments do represent a widening understanding. Our canons reflected this shift as long ago as 1985, when sexual orientation was first protected from discrimination in access to the ordination process. At the request of other bodies in the Anglican Communion, this Church held an effective moratorium on the election and consecration of a partnered gay or lesbian priest as

tHE cHuRcH From the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church

Pentecost continues!A pastoral letter to the Episcopal Church

St. Columbaʼs Newsletter, June 17, 2010 Page 5

understanding on others. We do earnestly hope for continued dialogue with those who disagree, for we believe that the Spirit is always calling us to greater understanding.

We live in great concern that colonial attitudes continue, particu-larly in attempts to impose a single understanding across widely varying contexts and cultures. We note that the cultural contexts in which The Episcopal Church’s decisions have generated the greatest objection and reaction are also often the same contexts where women are barred from full ordained leadership, includ-ing the Church of England.

As Episcopalians, we note the troubling push toward centralized authority exemplified in many of the statements of the recent Pentecost letter. Anglicanism as a body began in the repudiation of the control of the Bishop of Rome within an otherwise sovereign nation. Similar concerns over self-determination in the face of colonial control led the Church of Scotland to consecrate Samuel Seabury for The Episcopal Church in the nascent United States—and so began the Anglican Communion.

We have been repeatedly assured that the Anglican Covenant is not an instrument of control, yet we note that the fourth section seems to be just that to Anglicans in many parts of the Communion. So much so, that there are voices calling for stronger sanctions in that fourth section, as well as voices repudiating it as un-Anglican in nature. Unitary control does not characterize Angli-canism; rather, diversity in fellowship and communion does.

We are distressed at the apparent imposition of sanctions on some parts of the Communion. We note that these seem to be limited to those which “have formally, through their Synod or House of Bishops, adopted

policies that breach any of the mora-toria requested by the Instruments of Communion.” We are further dis-tressed that such sanctions do not, apparently, apply to those parts of the Communion that continue to hold one view in public and exhibit other behaviors in private. Why is there no

sanction on those who continue with a double standard? In our context bowing to anxiety by ignoring that sort of double-mindedness is usually termed a “failure of nerve.” Through many decades of wrestling with our own discomfort about recognizing the full humanity of persons who seem to differ from us, we continue to work at open and transparent com-munication as well as congruence between word and behavior. We openly admit our failure to achieve perfection!

The baptismal covenant prayed in this Church for more than 30 years calls us to respect the dignity of all other persons and charges us with ongoing labor toward a holy society of justice and peace. That fundamen-tal understanding of Christian vocation underlies our hearing of the Spirit in this context and around these issues of human sexuality. That same

understanding of Christian vocation encourages us to hold our convictions with sufficient humility that we can affirm the image of God in the person who disagrees with us. We believe that the Body of Christ is only found when such diversity is welcomed with abundant and radical hospitality.

As a Church of many nations, languages, and peoples, we will continue to seek every opportunity to increase our partnership in God’s mission for a healed creation and holy community. We look forward to the ongoing growth in partnership possible in the Listening Process, Continuing Indaba, Bible in the Life of the Church, Theological Education in the Anglican Communion, and the myriad of less formal and more local partnerships across the Commu-nion—efforts in mission and ministry that inform and transform individu-als and communities toward the vision of the Gospel—a healed world, loving God and neighbor, in the love and friendship shown us in God Incarnate.

May God’s peace dwell in your hearts,The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori

Presiding Bishop and PrimateThe Episcopal Church

While it is clear that not all within this Church

have heard the same message, the current

developments do represent a widening

understanding. Our canons reflected this shift

as long ago as 1985, when sexual orientation

was first protected from discrimination in

access to the ordination process.

Page 6 St. Columbaʼs Newsletter, June 17, 2010

St. cOlumBa day 2010

St. Columbaʼs Newsletter, June 17, 2010 Page 7

St. Columba Day Thanks

Thanks to those who worked tirelessly so that we could all

enjoy a festive St. Columba Day! Picnic: Prentiss Lay and Lisa Whelan (coordinators), Cynthia Angell, Susanna Barnett, Paul Barringer, Shannon Behm, Dawn Booth, James Boulter, Michael Boulter, Sally Boulter, Mary Brooks, Eric Cathcart, Kathi Chapman, Patty Chu, Caroline Davenport, Brian Doss, Bob Erskine, Tish Gardner, Gardell Gefke, Margaret Griffin, Eloise Heimert, Jen Heimert, Yvette Herrera, Bob Huebner, Janie Hillis, Bonnie Himmelman, Courtney Hundley, Heather Jones, Marilyn Jones, Liina Keerdoja, Maureen Kramer, Toni Krochmal, Joe Matal, Katie McGervey, Christine Morris, Mark Morris, John Nolan, Joyce Nolan, Nancy Nollen, Anna Piacentini, Joe Piacentini, Elizabeth Pyke, Sally Rand, Elizabeth Rankin, Mason Remaly, Kate Sandstrom, Renee Schoof, Jody Schwarz, Julie Slattery, Liz Spurgin, Carolyne Starek, Elizabeth Terry, Nancy Twist, Jennifer Turner and Elizabeth Vaden. Skit: Rose Duncan (coordinator), Hugh Barringer, Dawn Booth, Rob Boulter, Lucia Driessen, Karl Driessen, Lukas Driessen, Greg Drury, Patrick Funston, Brindley Goodger, Carolyn Hoff, Gretchen Hoff, Andrew Hullinger, Grant McNav-age, Lindsey McNavage, Pickle Robinson, Ana Serra, Judy Smith, AnneMarie Torresen and Sarah Torresen. Photos: Wayne C. Fowler, Jay Treadwell.

Page 8 St. Columbaʼs Newsletter, June 17, 2010

OutREacH But seek the welfare of the city . . . and pray to the Lord on its behalf. – Jeremiah 29:7

A letter from South Africachild protection camp where she received professional therapy with many other children sharing similar stories. She was no longer alone, burdened with this tragic secret, and could begin the long process of healing.

Pheliwe was able to use her knowl-edge and skills as a child and youth care worker to change the life for Thandi and so many others like her. With her tools of the circle of courage, her keen eyes, trusting nature, open arms, and compassionate heart, Pheliwe turned tragedy into a spar-kling moment. Now Thandi can begin to heal her wounds and play, a little lighter from the heavy weight she was carrying, as Pheliwe and many others are there to share her load.

Thank you, Pheliwe, for your courage to face the pain of senseless violence with a gentle, loving heart!

And thank you all for accompanying these courageous women, children, and families, in the way of the cross.

– Heidi and Monica

Heidi Schmidt and Monica Vega administer Isibindi (“Courage”) programs in the three South African communities of Ilinge, Alice and Ezibeleni. St. Columba’s has followed and supported their journey almost since its start in 2005. Monica and Heidi last visited St. Columba’s in September, when they spoke at an Adult Forum. Their letter below offers insight into the challenges—and rewards—of this vital work.

Dear friends, we had some visitors in Isibindi Alice recently, and the question was

put forward to the child and youth care workers, “What are some of your highlights, sparkling moments?”

From some of the responses, the one I would like to share with you is the case of one such worker, Pheliwe. Last year, Pheliwe noticed 10-year-old Thandi “walking funny” while playing, as well as appearing suddenly more withdrawn. Pheliwe decided to spend time with Thandi, and took a doll to play with her. During this play time, Thandi took the doll and placed her in a drawer, closing the doll inside, a very profound gesture not gone unnoticed. Pheliwe asked why she put the dolly in the drawer, and Thandi said that was where she would be safe. And there the door was opened and the conversation began. It was through this therapeutic play, professional observation, and trusting relationship that Thandi slowly revealed to Pheliwe her rape by two different men.

Why do I share this as a highlight? It’s because that’s how Pheliwe sees it. Pheliwe reported the case to supervi-sors, police, social services, and she was soon placed in a caring foster home, where she remains to this day. Pheliwe accompanied Thandi to a weeklong

OppORtunitiES tO REacH Out

Hunger doesn’t go on vacationFood is collected for SMGW’s Food Closet at every Sunday service. Items high in protein — peanut butter, tuna, dry milk, etc. and “walkalong” things like granola bars, cheese and crackers, packaged juices — are especially helpful. Please leave food donations at the back of the church.

Houshold furnishings neededA Wider Circle, a small nonprofit D.C. organization that helps individuals and families lift themselves out of poverty, is seeking basic household furnishings for families in need and those who are transitioning from homeless shelters. You can help by donating no-longer-needed beds, cribs, strollers, chairs and tables. Please call the organization at 301-608-3504 for prompt pick-up of your donations. More details are available at www.awidercircle.org.

Isibindi programs assist children living in households affected by HIV/AIDS by training child and youth care workers to care for vulnerable and orphaned children in their own homes. The model was developed in response to the devastating effects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic on the lives of many South African children.

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lift high the crossnecessarily have to be beautiful. But when you’re doing metalwork, it’s like artistry.” Repairing the copper cross was a welcome chance for him to use some special skills. Kevin has also worked on one of Capitol Roofing’s higher-profile projects, at Ellis Island in New York, and the excitement and respect in his voice as he describes the ornamental copperwork there is obvious.

Since the cross is hollow, when he went to take it down he discovered it was full of rainwater. “It was just a big bucket. It had about 35 gallons in it,” he says. He cut the mangled cross free and started to assess the situation. The copper had thinned in places and a chunk was missing altogether. It wasn’t a complicated job; the Celtic design is relatively simple and he didn’t have to do a major restoration. Kevin smoothed out dents and fashioned a replacement piece to fill in the gap. He created a wooden inner structure to better support the weight of the top half. “No matter what happens, it could never blow in half again like it did,” he assures. The whole cross project took only about three days.

Our church archives don’t tell us much about exactly when and how the cross was originally made. (If you know anything, please fill us in!) But Kevin could tell this much: As simple as its design is, it was created by hand, by someone with some skill. Contem-porary metal pieces are often stamped out by machine. Holding something that was made decades or even a century ago or longer, Kevin appreci-ates the marks of the workman’s tools and the choices he made in exactly how to bend the copper and attach the rivets.

Kevin is not a churchgoer himself, but he especially likes working on church projects because they tend to

After the 11:15 am service on St. Columba Day, worshipers spilled out of the church onto

the front porch and steps to rededi-cate the copper Celtic cross that sits atop the nave. Its green patina is an attractive feature of our relatively simple church. But at the beginning of last year, the cross wasn’t such a pretty sight. In February 2009, a windstorm snapped the cross in two, and for some time the top half dangled pathetically.

Thankfully, plans were already in the works to replace the worn slate roof over the sanctuary last summer. And luckily for St. Columba’s, Kevin Scrivo, a production manager at Capitol Roofing, the company hired for the roof project, enjoys metal-work. Kevin first got into roofing as a young man living in Kansas. He was looking for a skilled trade career, and in true Biblical fashion, an epic hailstorm gave him the opportunity he was looking for. “Hail bigger than softballs fell out of the sky,” he recalls. “Since roofing was paying the most, I decided to start roofing!”

In the 20 years since then, Kevin has learned the unglamorous ins and outs of fixing a roof. As he says, “Roofing is about keeping water out. It doesn’t

last longer. “When I work on ‘Harry’s Hardware’ or whatever, that business might be there in 10 years. It might not be there in a year. But I know St. Columba’s is going to be there for a long time, if not forever.”

Last October, shortly after the roof replacement was completed, David Mengers, a lifelong parishioner, died. Dave’s father, Randolph Mengers, served as rector of St. Columba’s when Dave was a boy. As an adult, Dave was an active member of the community, serving as a warden, a bell-ringer, a youth leader and much more. Family members and friends wanted to donate to the church in his memory, and his widow, Marge, decided that putting those funds toward the cross restoration was a fitting tribute. Marge and their daughter, Sarah, were here for the dedication on June 6.

Now, a plaque honoring David Mengers will hang just inside the church entrance, so that the next generation of St. Columbans will know a little bit about someone who was an important part of the past generation of the church family. And thanks to Kevin Scrivo’s handiwork, the cross will also be with us for generations to come.

– Elizabeth Terry

St. Columbaʼs Newsletter, June 17, 2010 Page 9

paRiSH lifE A powerful place . . . searching, growing, yearning to be useful to God.

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paRiSH lifE A powerful place . . . searching, growing, yearning to be useful to God.

Page 10 St. Columbaʼs Newsletter, June 17, 2010

Update on the Parnigoni lawsuit: The suit filed by the Parnigoni family against the church is still active as of publication time. At the church’s request, last month the court ordered the parties to attempt mediation of the lawsuit. After an initial session, the mediator suspended the mediation pending discovery in the lawsuit. We will keep the parish informed about further developments as they occur.

Left: We celebrate a joyful milestone for parishioner Betsy Gonzalez, ordained a deacon at the cathedral on June 5, with Rose Duncan and Paul Canady as her presenters. Betsy will serve as a chaplain at St. Andrew’s. Please keep Betsy and her family in your prayers as she begins her life as an ordained minister and prepares to be made a priest next January.

Above: On May 16 at the annual dinner given by the parents, St. Columba’s sacristans were honored for their years of service as acolytes and sacristans: Andrew Kragie and Shelby Tarkenton for eight years; Will Tarkenton and Jack Guenther for six years; Will DeBruin for five years; and Alison Fortune for four years. The sacristans serve as liturgical assistants to the clergy and vergers.

logo and website

Several members of the parish have asked why are we developing

a logo. The short answer is that we don’t currently have one. We have at least three different Celtic crosses that we use on some of our printed material. The most prominent cross design, which is similar to the cross on the roof of the church, is a design by Courtney Davis that we have limited permission to use. In order to create a consistent identity that is meaningful both internally and externally we need to have a logo that includes a unique mark and the name of our church. Once a logo is adopted we will proceed to include it in all our publications—including the website, letterhead, newsletter and ministry brochures. The logo project is part of a larger initiative to upgrade our website and IT capabilities. The budget comes from a designated Columba Fund grant allocated in 2007.

Growing in gratitude

We extend our deepest thanks to all those who have pledged for 2010, and

especially to those who made new pledges or increased the amount of their pledge. Thanks to your generosity, our pledge total is $1,816,385. The Finance Committee and vestry will be working to finalize a budget for 2010–11 and will report back to the parish after the vestry meets on June 28.

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St. Columbaʼs Newsletter, June 17, 2010 Page 11

At its meeting on May 24, the vestry:

p Met with Melinda Artman, a parishioner who is midway through the diocese’s ordination discernment process.

p Heard about the Stewardship and Development Committee’s first meeting with Lane Heard as chairman and its initial discussions about themes and approaches for the 2011 stewardship campaign.

p Reviewed a preliminary draft budget for FY 2011 prepared by the Finance Committee, and discussed the process for deciding on necessary cuts to meet the projected budget. The vestry tentatively plans to approve the official FY 2011 budget at its June meeting.

p Discussed the status and timetable of the music director search, which has been placed on hold awaiting the outcome of the 2010 Stewardship campaign and decisions about the FY 2011 budget.

p Learned that a new Water Ministry director has been hired (funding for the position comes from a restricted fund). She will begin running the program when it reopens in the fall.

Vestry notes

wed., June 23, 7–9:30 pmmothers’ group potlucksThis casual dinner for moms with kids of all ages is a fun way to catch up with old friends and meet new ones in the St. C’s community. A-E drinks (wine, soda, juice); F-K salad; L-S main dish; T-Z dessert. Please RSVP to Jen Heimert (202-966-6234; jenheimert@starpower.net). And mark your calendar for Tues., July 20, our next gathering of the summer.

Sun., June 27 42nd Street fellowship BrunchOrganized to bring people in their middle years who are widowed, divorced, separated or never married more fully into parish life, the 42nd Street Fellowship gathers once a month after church for brunch at a local restaurant. This month’s brunch will be at Café of India (4909 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-244-1395). Meet in the Common after the 10:30 am service to walk or carpool. Coordinators: Rose-mary Ryan (301-805-6789) and Fran Card (301-229-7621).

Office closingThe church office will be closed Mon., July 5, in honor of Independence Day.

fri., Sept. 3–mon., Sept. 6Solo flight XX: One is a whole numberThis annual conference for singles of all ages (whether never-married, divorced or widowed) will be held at the Roslyn Conference Center in Richmond, and will feature keynote speaker Jane Gentry

Vance. For details or to register, visit www.soloflightministry.net. Scholarships are available. Contact kcollierm@diolex.org or davidwperk@aol.com.

need a little “perk me up”?Why not join the Sunday morning coffee helpers. You’ll have first dibs at that much-needed cuppa joe while providing a valuable service to the community. Choose whether to set up, serve or clean up the beverages and baked goods that everyone loves. To learn more, e-mail nancytwist@verizon.net or stop by the coffee tables any Sunday.

Home communionIf you’re unable to attend services and would like to receive communion at home, please contact Anona Fowler (202-363-4119, ext. 229; afowler@columba.org). Stephen Ministers, lay members of the parish who are trained in one-to-one care for parishioners, are available to provide this service.

History Buff wantedWe are looking for someone to take over as parish archivist. The time commitment is minimal and you’ll have a chance to learn about St. Columba’s. For more information contact Carol Clausen (301-654-4719; cclausen1@verizon.net).

publicityPlease send all notices for the Sunday wrapper and monthly parish newsletter to publicity@columba.org.

b u l l e t i n b o a r dYou are welcome at any of the events listed below. Information about church services,

activities and events is also available at our website: www.columba.org.

St. Columba’s is a busy parish. Most weekday evenings, its halls hum with activity, and Sundays can be downright chaotic as services end, education hour begins and people mill about in search of coffee, doughnuts and conversation. In the midst of it

all are the familiar faces of our clergy, music and program staff: Pattie and Mikey, John and Diane, Janet, Martin, Rob, Rose and Margaret. So it may come as some surprise the number of people working at St. Columba’s whose faces you may never have seen—whose names you may not even know—who labor behind the scenes to keep this parish running smoothly. Unless you grace the building during normal business hours, you might never encounter us or know what we do, but we hope you notice the results. Stay tuned in the coming months for short profiles that will tell you about each of us and what our responsibilities are.

JOuRnEy Whether you stay in one place or never alight, the Christian life is a restless enterprise.

Grace note

The pages of the newsletter have been filled of late with stories of why parishioners

find themselves in this church—why they came, why they made a home here and why they are grateful. Their stories have put me to wondering about those same questions.

I really don’t remember what brought me to the doors of St. Columba’s some 20 years ago, although it may have been that my neighbors attended or that I knew my law partner, Bob Watkins, was a member. In retrospect, it is a mystery why it took 10 years even to find my way to the doors of an Episcopal church. I had grown up in the Southern Baptist church, to be sure, but four years of college chapel had introduced me to a more thoughtful liturgy and liberal theology, even if William Sloane Coffin’s preaching was its own brand of brimstone. Then, during two years in Cambridge, England, I discovered evensong, and Anglican worship captured me— although it would be many years later and a different music that would open wide the door of welcome.

I came to St. Columba’s in the early 1990s as a consumer of great preaching. It was an added benefit that the Boy Choir offered an opportunity for my son to sing, for he loved nothing more. (On New Year’s Eve in 2005, as a Whiffenpoof, he would sing in my wedding at St. Columba’s.) Apart from providing occasional lax super-vision of the boy choristers as they robed, I was quite content just to listen to the preacher—a parishioner regular in attendance and “known to the treasurer,” as a former rector put it, but no part of what was a vibrant community.

Then Judy Dodge called upon my

son to sing the Pie Jesu as part of the adult choir’s performance of Fauré’s requiem. That Sunday’s service remains a series of clear, snapshot memories, but nothing about that day would have altered my somewhat detached involvement with the church had it not been for what happened weeks later, when there came an

unexpected knock on the front door one Saturday morning. It was the rector, with whom I had never before spoken, and he was there to hand me a cassette tape of my son’s three minutes of singing Pie Jesu. It was a gracious, grace-full welcome— a welcome that searched me out.

In the years that followed, I encoun-tered that welcome in different ways at every turn. Arriving late for a stations-of-the-cross service, I was met at the door by the assistant rector, who asked me to read the scripture. At a time of personal crisis, a different rector called me—out of the blue, so it seemed at the time—to suggest that we should talk. Parishioners who knew the meaning and practice of discernment invited me, who knew only the outer form, to co-teach a course with them. Peggy Treadwell spoke at a forum, and I thought, “This is a person whose profession and practice is not a thing apart from her faith.” More recently, I have been distracted from important responsi-bilities at the church, and the rector has responded with renewed welcome and encouragement.

These are clarion notes of grace. I hear them again each time we are reminded to give out of gratitude, and for that reason above all. When I hear them, how easy the giving is.

– Lane Heard

Periodical PostagePaid at washington D.C.

Next Newsletter: July 15; deadline: July 6. © St. Columba’s Church, 2010. Please do not reprint text or graphics without permission. The cross on the front page is by Courtney Davis (www.courtneydavisart.com) and published in The Celtic Art Sourcebook by Blandford Press, UK. Used by permission. St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, 4201 Albemarle Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016. 202-363-4119 Fax 202-686-2671 www.columba.org.

mailed June 17: Dated material.Please deliver promptly.

It was a gracious,

grace-full welcome—

a welcome that

searched me out.