M A Y / J U N E 2 0 1 3

The Sentinel

The Language of Flowers By Jessica Bieber and Garrett McVaugh, Rainey Room co-teachers

Recently Amy Kuhnert, Preschool parent, mother

of Caroline and Adelaide, and chair of the flower

guild, introduced the children in the Rainey Room to the language of flowers. She shared the meaning and symbolism behind each flower, and

told us how each floral arrangement can convey a specific message through its composition. Amy

also shared with us her technical expertise in flower arrangement. Continued on Page 2

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Teacher: “What is the nation’s capital?” Student: “Washington, D.C.”

Teacher: “What does the D. C. stand for?” Student: “Dot Com.”

I’ve been reading a very good book recently

called Post-Modern Pilgrims written by Leonard

Sweet, a Professor at Drew University in New

Jersey. The little story above comes from that book. It is clear that change of cosmic

proportions is in the air. The rapid change in technology, of which we are all aware, has created a communications revolution no less

significant than the invention of moveable type by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century.

Scholars argue that this invention created the necessary environment for the Reformation. So,

one is inclined to ask, what does post-modernity and the communications revolution mean for

the church?

Continued on Page 3

By W. Bruce McPherson Interim Rector

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“We painted cards so they know we like this school and they will too.” --Sienna Kostorowski

The end of a school year is always filled with a

myriad of emotions. This week Amy collaborated with the children in the Rainey Room to make floral arrangements in honor of

children and families who will be leaving the St. John's community at year's end. Over the

course of this study the children have considered what flowers to include as a

message to their friends. In thinking about this transition, the children shared feelings of love, excitement, sunshine, anticipation, and

friendship. The children and Amy together chose flowers that would convey these

thoughts, as well as built the arrangements for this week's service. Moreover, the children

shared the arrangements with the whole Preschool community at our closing Chapel on Friday.

As you admire these flower arrangements today, we hope you see the children's message,

love, and compassion shining through.

St. John’s Episcopal Preschool Welcomes

New Families at an Evening Reception

At St. John’s Preschool we are all participants – children, parents, teachers, and staff. At the spring new parent reception, St. John’s

families invite new parents, members of the Board of Directors, and Vestry to attend an informal evening reception to deepen their understanding of what it means to be a participant.

This is a hands-on meeting where parents and teachers explore a

material and prepare a gift for the children to be presented when we

greet them as a community in September. This year we created

surprise weaving looms. Working side by side, new parents and old friends had a chance to learn, explore materials, discuss ideas and struggles, and share observations. Although this evening event is for

parents only, new children received a beautiful hand painted card in the mail.

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In his book, Sweet argues that 21st century

Christianity has more in common with first

century Christianity than with a twentieth century world that, as he says, “is collapsing

all around us.” He describes both churches as “experiential, participatory, image-driven and connected.”

They are experiential – “In post-modern culture no one wants a

‘second-hand’ God, a God that someone else defines for us. Each one of us is a Jacob become Israel: a

wrestler with God. The experience is

the message.”

They are participatory – more and more people are becoming aware that “the current system of fund raising … is increasingly inadequate for the postmodern world… The success of Habitat for

Humanity is based on its participatory structure. You get and do something personally; you get to know the people for whom you are doing it; and you get to give both money and time.” When the disciples asked Jesus how he could feed so many people, he took the five loaves, blessed and

broke them and gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people.

They are image-driven – Language itself is image making. Aristotle said, “No one thinks without a picture.” Images were extremely important to early Christians as they struggled to tell of their experiences of God in Christ. Jesus used extended metaphors to describe the kingdom of God.

And so they are today. There’s a church called “The Rock.” Its domain name is www.thewater.org – a mixed metaphor perhaps – but a compelling biblical image.

They are connected – “The paradox is this: the pursuit of individualism has led to this place of hunger for connectedness, for communities not of blood or nation, but of choice. The Internet is not a disseminator of information as much as it is a social medium – the first thing a teen does

after getting home is to log on. “The church exists to incarnate connectedness and to inculcate greater consciousness of connectedness. At any moment, however ordinary and uneventful, ‘me’

is inextricable connected to ‘we.’”

All of this might be summed up in the song “Christmas” from the rock opera Tommy by Pete Townshend

and the WHO. The father talks to his son who doesn’t know what Christmas morning means, who doesn’t know what day it is. He doesn’t know who Jesus was or what praying is. How can he be saved from his eternal grave? Tommy can you hear me? Tommy can you hear me? Tommy can you hear me? How can he be

saved? Suddenly Tommy responds: See me, feel me, touch me, heal me! See me, feel me, touch me, heal me!

Or it could all be summed up in the words Jesus said to Thomas: Do not doubt but believe. Put your finger

here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side.”

Summer is upon us. It’s easy to relax into the heat and the joy of summer; to experience it recreationally; to participate fully in its heightened activity; to understand the power to heal that lies in these “lazy, hazy” days; and to connect in real and personal ways around a ball field, a barbeque pit or simply

walking the city streets. The staff at St. John’s will spend the summer finding ways to make St. John’s more experiential, participatory, image-driven and connected. We hope you will do your part by

remaining connected with us. It is not that the church is here for you. You are the church and the

church is here for the world.

Bruce+ Bruce+

Continued from page 1

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The 2013 Georgetown House Tour

It takes a village as they say, but in this case a vibrant and engaged neighborhood. Nine

generous Georgetown families opened the doors of their charming abodes. The houses

were located between N and Q Streets and stretched from 28th to 34th Streets. Visitors who

made it to all nine homes covered 1.5 miles of Georgetown's tree-lined streets.

The Georgetown House Tour is one of the country’s oldest, established in 1931. The event always brings the community together. The

newest partner, Hyde-Addison Elementary School, is located across the street from St.

John’s Episcopal Church. At each stop on The Tour, parent volunteers and students from

Hyde-Addison supervised lemonade and cookie stands for thirsty and hungry guests. Parishioner Andrea Kramer coordinated with principal

Dana Nerenberg.

“The lemonade stands were a huge hit. The student and parent volunteers had a terrific time

and it was so gracious of St. John’s to partner

with us on this initiative. We raised more than $1,000 and our students learned a lot through

the process,” wrote Nerenberg.

The volunteer docents reported between 1,100 and 1,500 visitors at each location over the course of Saturday.

Continued on Page 6

Proverbs 24:3-4

By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it

is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with

all precious and pleasant riches.

By Avery Miller

What a sight it was to behold! Hundreds of people lined up outside St. John’s Episcopal Church on Saturday April 27th, looking forward

to the customary tea and cookies presented in Blake Hall. Tea takers were greeted by a vision in

pink, an ambrosial respite created by parishioner Nina Kaull. Gorgeous flower arrangements

helped set the stage, designed by Amy Kuhnert and Stephen McLeod. Even the weather participated with a sunny and breezy day. The

2013 Georgetown House Tour was off to a wonderful start. Buses lined up along O Street’s

cobblestones with visitors from all over the country.

Church treasurer Arnita Jones oversaw the ticket sales and magazine income with her capable

team. “People really like the House Tour and many come back year after year,” Jones said. She

counted five tour buses. Two of them brought residents from retirement homes and the others

bus riders travelled from Maryland and Pennsylvania. There is also a loyal follower who flies from Dallas, Texas annually.

It takes a village as they say, but in this

case a vibrant and engaged

neighborhood. Nine generous

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Jill Wohrle, who along with Jill Altman were Heads of Houses, expressed gratitude to the 300 volunteers who make The Tour possible.

“The lifeblood of the House Tour is the committed team of captains and volunteer

docents who staff each home and welcome visitors to Georgetown. The best part of

serving as Head of Houses is seeing the deep connections that these captains have to St.

John's and the Georgetown community.”

She added, “It was wonderful to

see the newer volunteers, including an enthusiastic group

of Junior League members, learn about the history of the homes

and share those details with the tour goers.”

The architectural styles of the

homes on The Tour ranged from

carefully crafted restoration to innovative modernity. Tour Co-Chair Frank Babb

Randolph worked tirelessly on this spectacular line-up of houses including his own stunning

home. Randolph welcomed guests to his spacious domicile and his magnificent dining room, inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s home

Monticello. The Langhornes’ residence on N Street highlighted a historical timeline with a

powder room that incorporated a fountain from the Ottoman Empire to a contemporary

glass elevator shaft. Many visitors realized a structure’s simple façade masked the beauty

and intricacy inside, especially how deep the interior extended. The P Street home of Larry

Calvert and Mike Mitchell led visitors to a spa

pool and lush garden, hidden from the sidewalk, only for the eyes of the fortunate

caller on the Tour.

Daughter and mother kindly agreed to place their exquisite homes on The Tour. Interior Designer Colman Rackley Riddell updated

The Stables which used to serve as a carriage house and stables. Her parents Betsey and

Charles Rackley renovated their house a few blocks away to take advantage of the natural

light and view of Volta Park. Family portraits complimented the elegant dining room.

And some of the places highlighted Georgetown’s colorful history such as the former residence of

Evalyn Walsh McLean, most famous as the last private owner of the Hope Diamond. Or the

Burrell’s dazzling Georgian house on 30th Street, formerly owned by banker William Corcoran.

Wohrle’s favorite moments? Tour guests admiring leading realtor Nancy Taylor Bubes's patio table

setting, the eager crowds waiting to marvel at the

Langhornes'

stunning contemporary renovation, and

the lovely fresh flowers throughout

the home of Nora Cameron.

Thanks to the

incredible work of

volunteers and St. John’s

parishioners, The Georgetown House Tour guidebook was a sleeker and more substantial

publication. Ron Ivey seized the opportunity this year and led a team to double the size and revenue of the new magazine-sized brochure. His

team member Abbey Oklak, urban designer and architect from Alexandria, helped with the

redesign. She brought her skills as designer, artist and historical researcher to this critical

informational and fundraising tool. She added alluring new features such as a historical timeline and old-timey looking map. Co-chair Stephanie

Bothwell personally oversaw the transformation of the booklet and the potential to reach many

more advertisers and readers. Her inexhaustible energy and good taste made the entire event

possible. From blogs to tweets to Facebook and print media, the public relations machine continues to develop under the guidance of C.C.

Christakos. Continued on Page 7

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A few days before the tour, on Wednesday April 24th, about 350 people attended the Patron’s Party at the resplendent residence of Tom Anderson and Marc Schappell. The superb weather allowed partygoers to stroll the stunning grounds of the house and witness

the sublime renovations to the P Street home, five years in the making.

The money raised from the party broke all previous records and a huge debt of gratitude goes to the chairs: Leslie Kamrad, Colleen and Charles Markham, Leslie and Paul Maysak, Amy Porter Stroh, and Constance Chatfield Taylor. Many partygoers

appreciated seeing Frida Burling, Patrons’ Party Chair Emerita, who is such an integral part of the House Tour.

St. John’s Church is greatly indebted to the community for all its support. All the money raised through the Patron’s Party and House Tour will support many of the various

missions, ministries, and operations of St John’s Episcopal Church. Carol Seaver is the Outreach Chair and oversees many of those grants. One of the charities includes the

Salvation Army’s Grate Patrol Van. Parishioners and children attending Sunday School at the church assemble dinner for over 150 homeless men and women monthly. Other

ministries include the Georgetown Ministry Center and the Bishop Walker School for Boys.

None of this would be possible without the assistance of Kimm Bates in the Parish Office

and the St. John Sextons: Lydia Ruiz, Jesus Reyes, and Lorenzo Aliaga.

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On May 9th Doyle NY sponsored the last house tour event: "The Ingredients of a Great House" with Gil Schafer III, AIA, a presentation and book signing reception to

benefit the Georgetown House Tour. About 150 people attended the presentation in the church and then lined up with a bite to eat and a drink, to meet and have Gil sign

their beautiful Rizzoli Press books. This is the fourth such event that Doyle's has sponsored over the years and we are delighted with their continued support.

The 2013 Doyle NY Event With Gil Shafer

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The House Tour Magazine By Avery Miller

The House Tour Co-Chairs developed the concept of

a larger "magazine" format this year. The Co-Chairs and Ron Ivey, the Advertising and Sponsorship Chair,

met early to set the prices for advertising and sponsorship. With a mock-up in hand, it was easier

for Ron to promote the concept of a magazine ad to corporate and local business advertisers. Although we

started earlier, in December, in this House Tour cycle it still proved difficult to convince national business

located in Georgetown to buy an ad, as their headquarters publicity strategies often do not include

local advertising. The major tool, is an extensive database developed since 2006 on business owner names, addresses, contact number, email addresses, and previous House Tour participation. As

there is a great deal of turnover in many of Georgetown retail businesses, Georgina Warren made a huge sweep among the businesses picking up the names and contact information of the new people

in charge. Ron kept up the sales blitz with person contacts, emails and phone calls. The sales target was set at $25,000 and the final result was just over $40,000 in sales. The primary sponsor, Washington Fine Properties, and the two other sponsors, Long and Foster and TTR Sotheby's

bought well-placed ads, but also contributed more in exchange for Patrons' Party entries. Some ads were "cross-advertising" type, with the BID, CAG, and District Home Magazine advertising the

House Tour among their members and readers. St. John's also got its share of exposure in the Magazine, which

reached about 2000 readers.

At a certain point, Ron forwarded ad

copy and in several cases ad elements

to Abbey Oblak, who did a masterful job of putting together the Magazine and helping those who didn't have

prepared ad copy to pull those elements into an attractive ad. Abbey

also created a new "old" map of Georgetown, developed some artful

sketches and pulled together a thoughtful piece on urbanism. The

draft Magazine was reviewed by

Stephanie Bothwell, who ensured that the magazine flowed well and achieved the artistic flair that we were looking for.

This year we've assiduously followed up with any uncollected amounts, which were minor, and have sent out a thank-you letter and a copy of the House Tour Magazine to every advertiser. That

will keep our relationship intact for next year's Tour.

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Website Update By George Stuteville

Have you visited our new and improved website lately? If not, you may be in for a treat and perhaps a surprise or two. In early April, our communications

committee re-launched www.stjohnsgeorgetown.org. It was a soft

launch, said Communications Chair George Stuteville and done with little

fanfare because of the need to finish building it out while at the same time

providing assistance to the online promotion of the Georgetown House Tour and the final Georgetown Concert Series event. Throughout April and May,

dozens of photos were added so visitors can see our parish members and

services. Currently the website contains about 40 pages plus picture galleries and links to videos and audio recordings featuring our new pipe organ. The

website also is linked to Facebook and Twitter as a way to enhance the parish's

social media outreach.

Stuteville said there are three goals for the website: 1. To serve God as a media resource that emphasizes beauty, art, human

fellowship and the proclamation of the good news of the gospel. 2. As a resource for parishioners to stay abreast of church events and to assist

them on their own spiritual journeys.

3. To help attract visitors (including a new rector) to our lovely parish so we can grow as a community.This would also include attendees and participants

in our Georgetown Concert Series, the Greens Sale and, of course, the House

Tour.

"The website is still very much a work in progress," Stuteville said. During the summer, we want to also take steps in developing it more as a platform for

communications. For example, it has a function that would work much like

our own little Facebook site so we could "talk" among ourselves on various issues of interest to the parish. I can foresee a time when we might want to use

this functionality for something like a virtual book club, or an online prayer

circle, or a way to continue a forum discussion. This website is just loaded with potential."

Because all websites are essentially works-in-progress, Stuteville said he welcomes all suggestions and corrections to make the site better. He said he also welcomes anyone who wants to serve on the communications committee.

Email him at gstute@gmail.com.

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Bishop Mariann Budde joined us on June 9

We were honored to welcome the Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of Washington

to St. John's on June 9. Stay tuned for a full report on this wonderful event. Learn more

about Bishop Budde here. Go to Bishop Budde's Facebook page.

The goal of St. John’s program for

its children is to involve them and nurture them in worship,

capturing the interest and using the gifts of each. Offerings in addition to Sunday group

instruction include participation as acolytes and lectors in our

worship services, work with clergy to create special liturgical offerings

for holidays, and participation with parents and other adult

parishioners in outreach projects

that are a strong commitment at St. John’s.

Sunday School – Christian Youth Formation

Have a Safe and Blessed Summer!

THE SENTINEL MAY/JUNE 2013

3240 O Street NW Washington, DC 20007 stjohnsgeorgetown.org