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Foundry to Celebrate Eileen Guenther's 31 Years of Ministry Wesley Seminary has also announced that Dr. Guenther has been named Associate Professor of Church Music beginning July 1. She will continue teaching courses in sacred music and directing the Wesley Chapel Choir, and will add the new responsibilities of Director of the Summer School Program and shared leadership of Oxnam Chapel with Chapel Elder Rev. Drema McAllister-Wilson. We are truly grateful that Eileen has shared her exceptional musical skills with this congregation for over three decades, blessing us in many corporate and individual ways. We celebrate Eileen’s ministry as expressed through:
As Eileen makes the transition to the next phase of her ministry, we will celebrate her time at Foundry through a special worship service and reception on Sunday, June 24, 2007 , and through a special gift. Paula Blair, Chair of SPRC , praised Eileen’s ministry: “There are never adequate words to convey the magnitude of our appreciation. We feel extreme joy and gratitude for the enormous blessing of Eileen’s ministry. She has offered her incredible skills and been a good friend to the choir members as well as this congregation. In the midst of contemplating what our church life will be without her, I am reminded of the Bible lesson from… Romans 8:28 which reads: ‘We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.’ Eileen was called to service at Foundry 31 years ago, and has received a new calling for God’s purpose.” Eileen expressed her appreciation to the congregation in these words: “At Foundry Church, I have seen growth and change in many wonderful ways—like a river, it’s not the same today as it was yesterday, and I, too, have grown and changed during my time here. As Minister of Music & Liturgy I have sought to be faithful to the Gospel of Christ, to be a supportive colleague, and to be a warm and supportive presence within the congregation. It has been my goal to lead the choirs in ways that have enabled them to deepen their spirituality in the same way we hoped to deepen the congregation’s faith through our music… “I thank Foundry for the opportunity to be in ministry with this warm, embracing, and diverse congregation. For the songs we have sung, the services we have shared, the tears we have shed, I give thanks. This significant portion of my life has been a blessing that has meant more to me than I can possibly say.” The Pastoral Corner: Paperwork, home studies, fingerprints . . . it all seems odd steps to take in preparation for becoming a mom and dad. This journey toward parenthood has been – in the words of The Grateful Dead – “a long, strange trip.” But we aren’t doing it alone. Last fall, my husband Chris and I met a new couple - Tressa and Alan. Tressa and I met on a listserv for Chinese Adoptive families more than two years ago. Interestingly enough, they are also from Ohio . They have named the daughter for whom they await – Maddie, and have set up a beautiful nursery. Sometimes it is hard to prepare for a journey when you don’t know what the trip looks like. During this time of waiting and transition, we are looking around and trying to notice anything familiar, anything of comfort, anything we can hold on to and see hope in. We also need to notice the new things, the unfamiliar but exciting things that are along the way, too. None of this trip looks like we thought it would. Sometimes the trip is painful and sometimes it is joyous, as when we meet people like Tressa and Alan. The journey towards new things is a journey towards who knows where. We don’t know what things will look like along the way or even at the end. I long to see my child’s face, and I have imagined what he/she might look like. But we won’t really know until we’re there and they place this new person in our arms. Life “transitions” invite us individually and as a church family to journey together toward new beginnings. Let us all leave room for imagination and God’s spirit to enter in. We will recognize the future when it is placed in our hearts. John Bryant: Lilly Foundation Summer Intern John is a Religion major at Davidson College in North Carolina , where he will be a senior this fall. He is here at Foundry UMC for the summer months of June and July as part of a discernment process sponsored by the Lilly Endowment. John will shadow both Rev. Snyder and Rev. Lowman as he explores a possible call to ordained ministry. He will be active in worship leadership on Sundays, local mission work organized through Foundry, and the day-to-day affairs of the church. Furthermore, he will lead a Taizé worship service Wednesday evenings starting July 11 th. John grew up in Huntsville , Alabama , and worked for his home church last summer to help start its college student ministry. He is an Eagle Scout, as well as an avid Ultimate Frisbee player and outdoorsman. He would like to thank the church for his warm welcome and looks forward to meeting and fellowshipping with the rest of the congregation. Wednesday Evening Taize Service Starting July 11 th, Foundry UMC will be offering a Taizé service on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7 PM in the chapel. The service will be modified from the style of service present at the Taizé monastery in France . It will include singing, scripture readings in multiple languages, and a period of silent reflection. Volunteers to read the scripture in various foreign languages would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help, please contact John Bryant , our Lilly Foundation Summer Intern, by e-mail at jbryant@foundryumc.org or by phone at (202) 332-4010 ext. 253. Youth, by the Numbers . . .With the support of their families, friends and mentors, five youth were confirmed on May 27. Join us in celebrating the commitment made by Maddy Baker, Lisa Crosswell, Emily Jordan, Ryan Pitcher, and Larkin Turman. Twenty-nine Senior High Youth and adults leave for the Appalachia Service Project on June 24, marking Foundry's 20th anniversary of sending teams to this Christian home repair ministry. Be sure to hear their report in worship on July 8.
On July 27, eight Junior High Youth and adults leave for a weekend of gleaning produce to feed the hungry as part of the Harvest of Hope. Summer in the City: Guest Preaching Series This July, we have engaged the following outstanding preachers: Rev. Dr. Robert Hill July 1 at both services Dr. Hill will reflect on the theme of Christian Freedom in the 21st Century. Since 1981, Bob Hill has taught in the areas of Biblical Studies and Practical Theology in several schools including McGill University, Syracuse University, Lemoyne College, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, Northeastern Seminary, United Seminary, and various church settings. His passionate interest lies at the intersection of Scripture and life, especially in the work of preaching. Most of his writing has been devoted to weekly sermons, over thirty years, in seven pulpits, some of which are collected, taped and published. Bob has taught Greek, New Testament, Preaching, The Practice of Ministry, Church Administration, and other courses. His perspective on pastoral theology focuses on the special needs of the church in the Northeastern USA in the 21st Century. As an elder in the United Methodist Church he has had experience in seven local churches, five different annual conferences, annual conference board assignments, General and Jurisdictional Conference participation, General Board membership, various speaking engagements, and denominational leadership discussions. His main denominational interests have been in Large Church ministry and Theological Education. Rev. Tiffany Steinwert July 8 at both services Rev. Steinwert will focus on creating an inclusive church where all are welcome. Much of Tiffany’s work has explored the debate over homosexuality as a church issue. Tiffany is an ordained elder in the New England Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. She began her career in ministry as a missionary in Nicaragua, serving as a delegation guide and coordinating an English language school she founded in the community of San Rafael del Sur. Upon returning to the United States she enrolled at Boston University School of Theology where she obtained her Masters of Divinity. Before coming to Cambridge Welcoming Ministries she worked at Grand Rapids Metropolitan Ministries, Christ Church of Lynn, Lexington United Methodist Church, and Grace United Methodist Church. In 2002, Rev. Steinwert, along with Pastor David Kim created Cambridge Welcoming Ministries as a mission congregation of the New England Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Currently she serves on the board for the Reconciling Ministries Network and co-convenes the national Reconciling Clergy steering committee. In addition to her work in the local parish, Rev. Steinwert is working to complete her Doctorate of Theology in Practical Theology. Her dissertation explores the debate over homosexuality as an ecclesiological issue. Council Adjusts Budget as a Result of Stewardship Shortfall In an effort to balance revenues and expenses, Foundry will delay the hiring of a special 9:30 a.m. worship leader. The Council also approved a $10,000 reduction for new initiatives and a $10,000 decrease in the amount of money projected to be transferred from the operating budget to the capital budget.
The church began its stewardship effort last November aspiring to raise $1.5 million, a 10 percent increase over last year’s goal of $1.37 million. As of June 6, pledges totaled $1.444 million which represents a 6.3 percent increase over 2006. This year, Foundry gained 110 new pledgers. In addition, 45 percent of last year’s pledgers have increased their pledges for 2007 by an average of 20 percent.
Foundry is complementing budget cuts with a renewed effort to garner more pledges. Church leadership is seeking an additional $22,000 in donations from people who serve on Foundry committees, top donors and members who have joined the church over the last two years.
“We’ve cut the budget fairly significantly,” said Charles Berardesco, Church Council chair.
He also stressed that the other side of the equation—raising more money—is a responsibility that must be shared by all members of the Foundry community.
“It’s important to say the leadership is doing the same thing they’re asking the membership to do,” Berardesco said.
The top 50 Foundry members who have donated in this year’s stewardship campaign have accounted for $529,000 in pledges. Avoiding future shortfalls will require adding more people at lower donation levels.
“We’ve got to broaden the base to get a higher level of participation,” said Joe Belew, chair of the Stewardship Committee. Neighbors Study Group Finds Foundry Should Use Its Prophetic Voice for Social Action As the seventh principle of its work, the Neighbors Study Group found that the congregation believes that Foundry should encourage social justice.
The study group conducted seven listening sessions with nearly 100 people between November 2006 and January 2007, to explore the question, “Who are our neighbors?” Out of that process, the panel distilled the congregation’s thoughts and insights into seven guiding principles, the seventh of which was “Foundry should use its prophetic voice and power to encourage actions leading to social justice.”
This principle was formulated from a variety of responses that had a common theme. Many who took part in the sessions said that Foundry could be a leader in such areas as the Reconciling Movement within the UnitedMethodistChurch, immigration reform, human rights in Latin America, resolution of the crisis in Darfur, and peace efforts involving Iraq. The common theme that connected these areas was Foundry’s ability as a congregation with financial and people resources – in the heart of Washington, D.C. – to play a unique role in shaping the debate on many of these issues. Many in its congregation have direct experience, professional connections, or training in challenging public policy areas.
The realization that Foundry could play a role on social justice issues was mirrored by a sense of respon-sibility that it had a moral obligation to do so. As one person put it, “I worry about Darfur and that someday we’ll be ashamed that…as a nation we didn’t do more.”
As Jesus says in Luke 12:48, “To whoever much is given, much is expected.” People who identified Foundry’s social responsibility were also quick to suggest that personal involvement in carrying out its call to social action was an important characteristic of Foundry’s involvement. Echoing another principle of the Neighbors Study Group – Foundry should be in direct relationship or face-to-face contact with those its serves – congregants suggested that Foundry’s prophetic voice will be stronger if Foundry has active ties with those it seeks to serve. Sewing Fellowship Donates to Children's Hospital Foundry’s Fellowship Workshop sewing group has for many years made stuffed animals to soften the experience of children hospitalized at Children’s Hospital in D.C. The group recently received a letter of thanks from the hospital. Foundry joins the hospital in expressing our gratitude for the group’s ongoing ministry of love.
“Thank you for your generous donation of 120 hand made stuffed animals. Because of your act of kindness, a child who is hospitalized is able to find the comfort in the face of something that is scary and unknown. The impact of your contribution goes well beyond today and touches the lives of many children and their families throughout the year.
Your donation helps us keep the toy closet full and the playrooms stocked at least for the next several months. The monetary donations will allow us to provide toys and hospitality to hundreds of families for the next year.
The journey of each child is unique; however, the expressions of gratitude are universal. Thank you again for boosting the spirits of our patients and their families.
With much gratitude, Terry Orzechowski Director Volunteer and Consumer Support Services New Minister to Children and Families: Theresa Thames
After graduating from HowardUniversity in 2003, Reverend Thames relocated to Durham, North Carolina where she attended Duke University School of Divinity. During her time at Duke, she joined FirstCalvaryBaptistChurch. It was at First Calvary, under the leadership and mentoring of Pastor Fredrick A. Davis, that she received her ministerial license. In February 2007, Theresa was ordained in the AmericanBaptistChurches of the South, USA by Pastor Davis.
In May 2006, Reverend Thames graduated from DukeUniversityDivinitySchool with a Masters of Divinity (M.Div.) and was one of the first students to graduate with a certificate of concentration in Gender, Theology and Ministry. Her senior thesis, a manual chronicling the history of women at DukeDivinitySchool, is now used to promote the Gender, Theology, and Ministry academic certificate. Reverend Thames is passionate about intercultural and interdenominational religious discourse. Her interests have led her to travel extensively across the United States and internationally to such places as Brazil, Peru and South Africa.
Theresa completed a Chaplain Residency program in Clinical Pastoral Education at DukeUniversityHospital. She also served as an Associate Minister at FirstCalvaryBaptistChurch in Durham, NC, where she served as a ministerial liaison for the Women’s Ministry, W.O.W. (Women of Worship).
Theresa is passionate about youth, women’s ministry and religious academia. In the near future, she hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Biblical and Pastoral Studies. She would one day like to join the academy and develop discourse around the missing voices of “others” in religious academia. Teachers! Volunteers! We Need You! Have a great idea for a Christian Education class at Foundry? We want to hear it! The Christian Education Committee is soliciting teachers, volunteers and classes, starting in the fall. Contact Theresa Thames, Minister to Children and Families, at tthames@foundryumc.org Foundry Family Camp: Two Days of Fun & Fellowship Near the Bay If you think of Foundry Camp as “family” camp – it is! It’s for the entire FOUNDRY FAMILY. If you think it’s just for kids, you’re wrong. It’s a great way to relax as you get to know your Foundry family better.
From Friday night to Sunday noon over Labor Day weekend, enjoy a variety of multi-generational activities at West River UMC Camp, which is about an hour’s drive from DC. (Car-pooling can be arranged.) Campers are encouraged to participate in their choice of the planned activities, including a get-to-know-you Friday night, adult discussion group Saturday morning, special teen activities all weekend, square dancing Saturday night, singing around a camp fire, crafts and games for kids, and youth-planned and led worship service on Sunday. We eat together in the dining hall, and there are nature trails, a swimming pool, volleyball court, sailboats, and canoes. There are also quiet places to read and relax. This is a great opportunity to meet a wide variety of Foundry folk and enjoy a weekend near the Chesapeake Bay. And you still have Labor Day to mow your lawn!
Cost is $74.70 for each adult; $58.00 for each teenager (ages 13 – 17); and $38.75 for each child (ages 4 – 12); children 3 and under are free. This covers five meals plus use of the cabins. There is a nominal additional fee for use of the pool or boats. For program information, contact Rev. Theresa Thames (tthames@foundryumc.org ). For questions about registration, contact Chris Matthews (chrismatt@igc.org) or Ken Nesper (kenesperjr@netzero.net) or call 202-269-3890 (evenings and weekends). Pick up a registration form at the church office and be part of the fun on August 31 to September 2. Save the Date: July 16-20 - Foundry's Vacation Bible School 2007 Questions/Volunteers: Contact Paula Zabel, camp coordinator, at (301) 509-2790 or Paula_Di_Zabel@msn.com or Theresa Thames, Minister to Children & Families, at tthames@foundryumc.org. Foundry's Gift to 112 Liberian Children: A True Story of Connecting Threads In June, 2006 I told a few persons at church I was going home to Liberia after 20 years of being in the U.S. My long stay was due to the civil atrocities occurring in Liberia, making it very unsafe to return. Larry Slagle asked if I would search out a day care center that could benefit from some items Foundry might have.
In fact, I did see a few day care centers during my visit. But the one sponsored and operated by the United Methodist Women of First United Methodist Church of Liberia overwhelmed me with its needs, and I knew I could entrust Foundry’s gift, if any, to these women. It would also be a UM church to church transaction.
In Monrovia, I met 112 shy, adorable children, ages 3 to 5. For my visit, one of the teachers told them to sing the welcome song “Count your Blessings.” I was taken aback by the innocence and unawareness of their environment of poverty, and their blessedness of having survived their first early years of existence in a war ravaged country. At the same time I was reminded of my own blessings in having escaped the war and diseases.
The needs of the center and these 112 children, would be what I would bring back to Larry. They didn’t have pencils or paper, book shelves were empty, no kitchen or lunchroom supplies, two king-size mattresses for the kids to nap on, and no hand towels in the bathrooms. The teachers had only a blackboard and chalk. There were no other educational materials. Some children had slippers on, some had none. I asked the director, Clarice Karloweah, to prepare a list of the center’s needs.
Upon my return to Foundry in July, I spoke with Jana Meyer, Minister of Mission, who kindly took my request to the Church. Jane Ross coordinated a drive for children’s clothing, books, arts/crafts supplies and shoes among her family and friends. Jane was also instrumental in providing funds to cover shipping costs.
Jana told me that Foundry’s Child Development Center (CDC) was closing, and that the UMC Day Care Center of Liberia would get first choice of items. Foundry supplied all it had, including sheets and blankets. This meant so much – now the kids would not have to take turns, as each group could be assigned a cot at their nap times.
The “goodies” reached the day care center on December 9, 2006. Mrs. Karloweah called me to say she and the teachers were ecstatic! They would be painting the classrooms and putting these gifts in place by the time the children returned from Christmas.
The scripture found in Psalms 78:4 speaks to this generous act of faithfulness: “…we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.”
I wish to express sincere gratitude to all members of Foundry for the outreach to these children who are the future of my home country. I am blessed to worship with such a kind and generous family. Men's Health Fair On May 12, Foundry and the Washington DC Workers’ Union hosted the Men’s Health Fair for the day laborers and their families. A little over 100 participants showed up to receive cholesterol and glucose screenings, HIV tests, adult vaccinations, and many other services. Participants also received prizes, massages, aroma therapy and counseling sessions free of charge. Thesponsors of this event included La Clínica del Pueblo, the DC Department of Health, the Family Support Collaborative, Neighbors Consejo, and DC Learns.
Thanks to the support of the Immunization Program at the DC Department of Health, close to 40 participants received the recommended adult vaccinations free of charge. As one participant said, “I am very happy because I was able to get the tetanus and the hepatitis B shot. I also got my blood pressure and cholesterol tests, which came out negative.”
“It was a great turn out. We not only provided basic health care services, but also had lunch and refreshments for participants and volunteers. As a member of Foundry, I am very proud for our support to the day laborers in our community and hope we continue strengthening our partnership with them,” said Yadira Almodóvar-Díaz. Check out the Foundry library for your SUMMER READING! Here are few new additions, and don’t forget that we get a variety of periodical subscrip-tions, including several United Methodist publications, Sojourners, and Weavings.
- Living Our Lord’s Prayer, A Devotional Guide - Fair Trade: Beginner’s Guide - Journey Through the Psalms (with Participant’s Guide) from Wesley Ministry Network - The Christian As Minister - Same-Sex Union Issues Foundry Working Group Report & Recommendations. - Congregational Gatherings Report, Foundry Neighbors Planning Study Group - Relational Conversations Report, Foundry Neighbors Planning Study Group - Child’s View (A DVD about children around the world) - new children’s books including: Say Something (about how react to bullies); The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq; Planned Giving Committee to Ensure Your WILL Power Mildred was always trying to “tidy-up” and was well known throughout her retirement community for her spotless home. One day, as she was doing her annual Spring-cleaning, she felt tired and decided to take a rest. She never woke up.
Her daughter found Mimi the next day, resting in eternal peace. Mimi’s family also found that she had left no mess behind for them.
Her home was clean. Her funeral arrangements had been made in advance. And most importantly, Mimi had written her Last Will and Testament, naming her executor, beneficiaries, and burial wishes.
Mimi was among the minority of people who don't leave their survivors in a state of confusion. A recent Gallup Poll shows that about 60 percent of Americans do not have a Will.
Whatever your age or the size of your estate, you should have a Will. Accidents and sudden illness could occur at any time. A valid Will is the only way you can make certain that your wishes will be carried out, your family will be protected, unnecessary costs will be avoided and taxes will be minimized. Without a Will, arbitrary state laws control your estate. By making a Will, you can be sure that your wishes will control the disposition of your estate. Without a Will, survivors must struggle to decide:
The excuse of high cost or legal complexity is not enough to justify not making a Will. Be like Mimi: do a little advance planning and don't leave behind a mess for your survivors to clean up. They will be thankful that you were so considerate.
Mildred “Mimi” Corlette was very considerate. She was also my grandmother, and a good one at that.
On Friday evening, April 27th, Foundry’s Fellowship Hall was transformed into the Foundry Luau, honoring new members who had joined since January 2005. More than 60 people enjoyed Foundry Bingo, a get acquainted game, followed by a lovely dinner. Many people showed up in their Hawaiian best, and everyone was greeted with a lei and an Aloha!
After an opening prayer by Rev. Dean Snyder, Charlie
Berardesco, chair of the Church Council, spoke about the general direction of the church. Jim Walker, chair of the Mission Council, and Tim Wedding, a member of the Council, both spoke about what Foundry means to them and ways that new members can be involved in the life of the church.
Foundry’s music program, which includes the talents of many new members, was a highlight of the evening. Anna Alt-White, Charlie Berardesco, Mark Jefferson, David Kidwell-Slak, Lisa Lahrman, Genie Leonard, Barbara Marvin, Paul Newhouse, and John Parkhurst
provided musical entertainment.
Associate pastor Dee Lowman closed the evening, reminding our new members how blessed our faith community is to have them.
The Evangelism Committee wishes to especially thank Sam Kilpatrick, Jane Northern, and Garrett Peck for leading and organizing the dinner.
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Foundry United Methodist Church
1500 16th Street, NW * Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 332-4010 * Fax: (202) 332-4035
Email: foundryumc@foundryumc.org
Web: www.foundryumc.org
Pastoral Care Emergency Phone
(after normal office hours): (202) 306-2659