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TheWºRD. T H E N EW S L E T T E R o f S A I N T JOH N ’S C H U R C H .
The Reverend Dr. Luis León Rector
The Reverend Virginia Gerbasi Assistant Rector
The Reverend Juan Pastor Reyes Assistant Rector for
Iglesia San Juan
Kaye Edwards Assistant for Church Growth
Dr. Benjamin Hutto Director of Music Ministry
and Organist
Michael Lodico Associate Organist and Choir
Director
Samuel Munguia Musician for Iglesia San Juan
Sarah Taylor Seminarian
VOLUME 20, NO. 7 . MARCH 2014
Letter from the RectorDear Parishioners,
Lent starts, and we think of giving up things that are bad for us or take onthings that are good for us, as if the most serious temptations in life were to drinktoo much wine or eat too much fat or stay in bed on Sunday morning. I don’tthink that the stories we read on the first Sunday of Lent (Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7and Matthew 4:1-11) are about that. I think that they are the temptation not to bea human being at all.
As I understand it, Adam and Jesus are both tempted to be God. In Adam’s case,it was the chance to break out of his dependence on God and know both good andevil for himself. In Jesus’ case it was the chance to feed every hungry person, to besuperman, to control all the kingdoms of the earth. God, of course, never makesthose offers. Only Satan does.
Whereas Adam stepped over the line and found humanity a curse, Jesus stayedbehind the line and made humanity a blessing. One tried to be God; one was content to be a human being. The irony is that the one who tried to be God didnot do too well as a human being and the one who was content to be humanbecame known as the Son of God.
They are both alive and well in us. If Adam’s story is our story, then Jesus’ story is ours as well. We have both sets of genes in us. We are family to both of them.When the Adam in us is tempted to play God, the Jesus in us offers support,showing us that the way to discover our “Godlikeness” is not to abandon ourhumanity but to bless it and to enter it as fully as we can. It is then that Satan willdepart and the angels will come and wait on us (Matthew 4:11).
Faithfully yours,
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The Rector’s 2014Spring Adult Inquirers’ClassApril 5 and April 26
If you would like to be baptized,confirmed, or received into membership inthe Episcopal Church at St. John’s, or learnmore about St. John’s ministry, you areinvited to join the Rector’s 2014 SpringAdult Inquirers’ Class.
Led by the Rector, the class (a two-day ses-sion) will meet on Saturdays, April 5 andApril 26, from 8:45 am to 2:30 pm bothdays, in the Parish House. Anyone, new-comer or longtime parishioner, interestedin learning more about our Christian faithand life, the Episcopal tradition, and theministry of St. John’s Church, is encour-aged to attend. For more information or to register, please contact Kaye Edwards,Assistant for Church Growth, at 202-347-8766, ext. 317 or by e-mail [email protected].
Those who participate in this class, or havecompleted another inquirers’ class session,may attend a Service of Confirmation,Reception, and Reaffirmation of BaptismalVows at the Washington NationalCathedral on May 17, 2014.
Members of the Lafayette Fellowship hosted their annual Pre-SuperBowl Chili Lunch on January 26.
Parish Lunch January 26
DEADLINE FORAPRIL WORD
The deadline for the April edition
of The WORD is March 24.
Please submit complete articles to
The next scheduled date for baptism and requiredpre-baptismal class with the clergy are as follows:
• April 27 at the 11:00 am service; class Thursday, April 24, at 6:45 pm in the church
• June 8 at the 10:30 am service; class Thursday, June 5, at 6:45 pm in the church
• September 14 at the 9:00 am service; class Thursday, September 11, at 6:45 pm in the church
If you are interested in having a child baptized, or in baptism for yourself, please contact Kaye Edwards in theParish Office at 202-347-8766, ext. 317, or by e-mail [email protected]. Please note that the parentsor grandparents of children being baptized must be active,pledging members of St. John’s. Adults interested in bap-tism for themselves must attend the Rector’s AdultInquirers’ Class and be active, pledging participants in thelife of the parish.
Next Baptism Dates
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Adult Forum Speakers
January 26 Adult Forum: Joshua DuBois (left)talking with parishioners following his forumpresentation on his book, The President’sDevotional.
February 9 Adult Forum: Katherine Imhoff,President of the Montpelier Foundation, spokeon the Presidency of James Madison.
WeddingsNovember 9, 2013
Karis Anne Gong and Thomas Arthur Parnham, Jr.
December 30, 2013Kenlyn Shea McGrew and Collin Edward Klamper
February 22, 2014Alyssa Brennan D’Ambra and William Rodgers Ackerly
March 1, 2014Stephen O’Shields and Miller Winecoff
“May their homes be ones of blessings and peace.”
FuneralsFebruary 7, Spencer M. Rice
February 18, Michele Rakes-Owens
February 20, Anne Elizabeth Atkeson
February 28, Emily A. MacCormack
“Rest eternal grant to them, Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon them.”
Transfers Into the Parish
Theodore and Sandy Graves–from St. Mary’s EpiscopalChurch, Arlington, VA
William Benjamin Hutto III–from Christ EpiscopalChurch, Charlotte, NC
Transfers Out of the Parish
Julia Edwards Davis Mead–to Trinity Episcopal Church,New Orleans, LA
Morton and Marguerite Kondracke–to St. BarnabasEpiscopal Church, Bainbridge Island, WA
The McIntire/Garcia Family (Alison McIntire, Rafael Garcia, Isabel Garcia-McIntire, Louisa Elizabeth
Garcia-McIntire)–to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church,Arlington, VA
From the Parish Register
continues on page 5
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Parish Reception February 2
Children’s entertainment at the Reception.
Lamont Jones, reception coordinator, with the Rector.
The Rev. Gini Gerbasi with parishioner Anthony Pegues.
Anne Gardner (right), reception coordinator, with JoanneHutton, Laurie Adams, John Gardner, and Marilyn Jenkins.
The Rev. Juan Pastor Reyes, Assistant Rector for Iglesia San Juan, at reception with parishioners from the Spanish-language congregation.
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Seminarian Sarah Taylor’s Lay Committee bowling at the White House.
White House Bowling
Parish Register, continued from page 3
Transfers Out of the Parish, cont’d.
The Yehl Family (Timothy, Katherine, Shannon, Collette, and
Michael)–to Church of the Redeemer,Bethesda, MD
John Lincoln Wszalek (child)–to GraceEpiscopal Church, Alexandria, VA
Alicia Karin Jennings–to the Church of the Redeemer, Bethesda, MD
John Jennings Mershon and AnnaJennings Mershon (children)–to the Church of the Redeemer,
Bethesda, MD
The Herzog Family (Laura, John, and Jack)–to St. George’s Episcopal
Church, Nashville, TNWomen’s Retreat Feb 28-March 2, DuPont House, Rehoboth, DE
Women’s Retreat
Pictured are new members who took part in the February 9 service officially welcoming them to St. John’s Church.Front row, left to right: Arthur Kellermann, Leila Taaffe, Gail Graham, Chris Rogers, Lisa Sprague, Jessica Morrow, TiffanyManchester, Erin Waddle, Ashley Culbertson, and Cara Rockhill. Back row: Tom Stork, Robert Dyer, Megan Mercier Evans,Cecil Hornbaker, Anthony Pegues, Austin Magnuson, Emily Smith, and Sara MacKimmie.
St. John’s New Members
The following adults and their families became official members of St. John’s Church during 2013by transferring or requesting the transfer of their memberships from another church, by adult baptism, orby taking part in a service of confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation of baptismal vows.
Jordan David Charles BaughDavid John BegleyAndrée Bouillot Lindsey Michelle Bowen Reneé B. BranchAdrian Kyle CollinsLena Raquel CollinsAlison Gaus Corle Ashley Elizabeth CulbertsonPatricia Ann DalbySusan DawsonDiana Rawstrom DekovichStephen Michael DekovichRobert Stuart DyerAnna and Rob EhrichMegan Adams Mercier EvansAdrienne Claire GazianoMatthew Joseph Gaziano
Karis Gong ParnhamGail Lorene Allen GrahamThomas Wayne GrannemannAurelie Y. HappiEllen Whitley HerndonLaura Walworth HohnsbeenCecil V. HornbakerPeggy KayArthur Ledge KellermannMarcus J. Lemon Sara Michelle MacKimmieAustin Aaron MagnusonTiffany Elizabeth ManchesterLisa McClellanMorgan Layne MorrisJessica Anne MorrowThomas Arthur Parnham, Jr. Anthony Lee Pegues
Cara McKinney RockhillChris S. Rogers Daniel Benigno RosarioKristin Whitney ShaulisEmily Smith Holly Burns SmithTrenton Michael SmithLisa Sprague Thomas Joseph StorkLeila C. Taaffe Philip TierneyJane TingleyErin Leigh WaddleSarah Joy WildEmma Coryell Wilson Neil Fletcher Wilson Laura Wohlford
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Dear Kwasa Friends,
The new academic year at Kwasa started onWednesday 15th January. Additions to the staff areElaine Finke (Grade 1 Teacher), and Wisdom Maketo(night security).
The Pre-Primary began with a new intake of 3-yearolds (above). There were not TOO many tears onday one! Assembly can now be held in one of ourbeautiful new classrooms—all 120 children and staffare accommodated quite easily. (below).
The 2014 Kwasa College Grade 1 class started the yearwell with their teacher Mrs Elaine Finke. They werequite comfortable coming to Kwasa as they had beenin the pre-primary school for the last three years. Thisclass is in the other new classroom and look so cute intheir school uniforms, as you can see in the picture ofthe girls in their tunics (above, right). Early in Januarywe received from the Education Department theRegistration document which states that Kwasa
College is a registered Independent School. If we cansustain the school for two years, the Department willbegin to fund us in 2016, which will be wonderful. Inthe meantime we need to build more classrooms inpreparation for the Grade1/2 classes of 2015.
The scholarship students all went to school at Werda,Strubenvale, Springs Girls’ High (Tshepiso) andSprings Technical High (seven learners who were ourvery first scholarship learners at Werda in 2007). They
form our after-care at Kwasa, and thisweek were provided with stationeryand uniforms for the year. (Thanksto all those who sponsor these chil-dren). Tshepiso is in Grade 12 thisyear and looks very smart andgrown-up in her matric uniform!
The new house on Kwasa property (MikeHowes Boys’ House is nearing completion and will beopened late January/early February—enabling theaccommodation of 14 vulnerable boys in addition tothe 14 girls accommodated in John Crane House atKwasa.)
Thank you for your friendship, prayers, support andfinancial assistance. All the progress and developmentis because YOU have made it possible!
With my love and appreciation,Sharron
Update on the Kwasa Centre and School from the Ven. Sharron Dinnie
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From its beginnings as a hospital, then orphanage, and later a school for children withintellectual disabilities, SJCS has grown into anon-profit, non-sectarian human service agencythat provides innovative, community-based services for children and adults with disabilitiesin Washington, DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.
The St. John’s mission—advancing community supportand opportunities for people living with disabilities—is carried out by over 900 dedicated employees,100 volunteers and nearly 700 children andadults with disabilities and their families. SJCSsupports people with disabilities to live, work,participate, and establish relationships in theirchosen community, and to receive academic andvocational education in public school settings.
All SJCS services are delivered in the communityin partnership with government agencies, othernonprofit organizations, universities, and thebusiness and church communities. Inherent toour mission, as well, is our commitment tochanging systems, building partnerships and better equipping communities to ensure that
people with disabilities have the same opportuni-ties as their peers without disabilities for a goodquality of life.
We are proud of the vibrant relationship betweenSJCS and St. John’s Church that continues ontoday. Reverend León, an honorary member ofthe SJCS Board of Trustees, has participated andsupported many of our major ceremonies andevents. We are also especially grateful to thosestaff and Church volunteers who contributedholiday gifts to the children in SJCS school program and assist in making our annual eventsmemorable.
On Sunday, March 16, 2014, join us to celebrate146 years of service with our founding partners—St. John’s Church and the Founders Board of St. John’s Community Services (successors to thewomen of the Ladies Aid Society of the Church).A lunch reception, hosted by the FoundersBoard, will be held at the conclusion of theMorning Worship service.
For further information on St. John’sCommunity Services, please contact MeredithRitchie at [email protected].
St. John’s Community Services146 Years of Service to the Community
St. John’s Community Services (SJCS) was founded in 1868 by the parishioners of St. John’s Episcopal Church, the “Church of Presidents,” in Washington, DC,to assist the sick and injured in the aftermath of the Civil War.
March 2014 Service Schedule March 2
7:45 am Holy Eucharist 9:00 am Baptism and Holy Eucharist 11:00 am Holy Eucharist 1:00 pm La Santa Eucaristía
March 5 • Ash Wednesday 7:30 am Holy Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes 12:00 noon Holy Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes 7:00 pm Bilingual (English/Spanish) Holy Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes
March 9 7:45 am Holy Eucharist 9:00 am Holy Eucharist 11:00 am Holy Eucharist 1:00 pm La Santa Eucaristía
March 16 7:45 am Holy Eucharist 9:00 am Holy Eucharist 11:00 am Holy Eucharist 1:00 pm La Santa Eucaristía
March 23 7:45 am Holy Eucharist 9:00 am Holy Eucharist 11:00 am Holy Eucharist 1:00 pm La Santa Eucaristía
March 30 7:45 am Holy Eucharist 9:00 am Holy Eucharist 11:00 am Holy Eucharist 1:00 pm La Santa Eucaristía
Nursery care is available Sundays from 8:45 AM until 2:00 PM
for children under the age of three.
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Vestry Riley Temple, Senior Warden
Hilary West, Junior Warden
Mike BecraftCarrie GarlandFernando HermozaMarilyn JenkinsWande JohnsonFrank KlotzMichelle MangrumRichard MetzgerJohn MoreAvo ReidBrian SchoenemanHolly Sukenik
Krista Becker,Treasurer
Virginia Bader, Assistant Treasurer
Michael Jones, Secretary
Christopher R. Wall, Parish Counsel
Head UsherJames H. Czerwonky
The Parish Staff Hayden G. Bryan,
Executive Director for Operations
Evangeline Gravina,Operations Assistant
Betsy Heine, Financial Secretary
Kendra Seymour, Communication Coordinator
R. J. Gravina, Program Coordinator
Victor Obregon, Sexton
Glynnis Bryant and Prosper Daziorlor, Assistant Sextons
Dora Genovez, Housekeeper
Parish House1525 H Street, NW Washington, DC 20005-1005tel 202-347-8766 fax 202-347-3446 web site www.stjohns-dc.org
