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The Pastoral Corner: "In the Potter's Hands"
“Spirit of the Living God” - Daniel Iverson Dear Friends: We encourage you to make the image of the Potter and the pot part of your spiritual life during September and October. We encourage you to join us at a house meeting. We encourage you to allow the Potter to shape us through you. Sincerely, September - October Worship Series: "In the Potter's Hands"
We at Foundry are in God’s hands. We are constantly being molded and re-shaped by God, our Potter. Sometimes gently, at times with greater pressure, our Potter changes us and calls us to be renewed. This fall, we are being called to listen to the Potter and to one another – to envision the shape of Foundry. Through worship, through scripture, through sermons, through prayer, through our house meetings, we listen to God’s word and feel God’s caring hands, forming us into a faithful community. Foundry Receives Gift of New Communion Napkins Recently, Rosa Vega, Foundry’s Sunday morning coffee hour support, who also handles the care of our communion linens, realized that we needed a new set of napkins. Working with her niece, Patricia Sanabria, of Izalco Sonsonate, El Salvador , Rosa commissioned the making of a full set of newly embroidered napkins. Rosa ’s gift to Foundry were first used on Sunday, August 5 th. Council News: Interim Music Director, Fall House Meetings, and Task Force on Future of Music Ministry Foundry likely will name an interim music director in early September who will lead the church choir until a permanent director is selected next summer. In the meantime, the Foundry Church Council has formed a task force on the future of Foundry’s music ministry. The music task force, consisting of representatives from a cross section of church constituencies, will deliver a report in December outlining how Foundry’s music program should evolve and the criteria to use in choosing a new director. For the first time in more than a generation, Foundry is experiencing change in musical leadership. Eileen Guenther , who served minister of music and liturgy for 31 years, resigned as of June 30. Eileen has been promoted at Wesley Seminary to associate professor of church music, where she also directs the Wesley Chapel Choir and the summer school program. The Staff Parish Relations Committee, which oversees Foundry personnel, has acknowledged the concern and apprehension caused by the music transition. SPRC Chair Paula Blair praised Eileen’s musical leadership and the ministry that she provided for the Foundry community. “That gift will be missed for some time to come,” she said. But she stressed that it’s important to look ahead. “God has plans for Eileen and for Foundry,” Blair said. “We have to be open to new gifts and opportunities better than we could ever have imagined. Eileen will experience them, and Foundry will experience them.” The Council also is setting up house meetings in September and October designed to help the church sketch its future. One of the goals of these house meetings is to determine what the future could hold – and to allow everyone to participate in the discussion. (See the related article above .) Dean Snyder said the fall meetings would focus on relationships and listening in an effort to clarify the direction in which the “soul and passion” of Foundry is moving. Why Join Foundry? The Benefits of Membership"I've been coming to Foundry for years, why should I become a member?" We often hear this question from regular attendees who may have been coming to Foundry faithfully for years, but just never got around to attending a membership orientation. Although Foundry makes an effort to make everyone feel welcomed – whether members, regular attendees or visitors – it is very important that we can count on members to define and support who we are as a congregation. The main reason for joining Foundry (or any church) is to commit to be a witness for Christ and to demonstrate your commitment to the mission of the church. By becoming a member, you would join with other Foundry members in validating a ministry that is diverse, compassionate, spirit-filled, and welcoming and affirming to all, including GLBT people. The TOP 10 Reasons to become a Foundry member are: Baptism – If you are not already baptized, becoming a member allows you to experience this special sacrament of Christian faith. Belonging – As a member, you feel a sense of belonging to a faith-filled community, a spiritual family where you are “at home.” Affirmation – There is something very affirming about the membership process, learning about Methodism and what our church stands for; Foundry wants you! Discipleship – In many ways, Foundry works to support you in becoming a follower of Christ. Involvement – As we get to know you better, we assist our members in becoming involved in the community in the ways that are best for you. Service – You can participate more fully in the life of the church, lending your voice to our congregation and your service to our missions and ministries. Communication – With your contact information and your interests included in our database, we can more easily contact you about events, programs, and issues of interest to you. Connections – As a Foundry member, you meet new and interesting people and discover common connections for your personal and professional life. Visibility – Membership increases Foundry's voice within the United Methodist denomination to advocate for our vision of the modern, inclusive, affirming church. It's easy! – New member orientation is just a single Sunday afternoon, and new members join the following Sunday. The next New Member Orientation will be held on Sunday, September 16th. The meeting will start with a free lunch for new members and lay mentors at 12:30 pm in the Davenport Center , and the session will end by 4:00 pm . Joining Sunday will be the following Sunday. Free child care will be provided during the orientation. Anyone interested in joining Foundry is asked to complete a registration form prior to the orientation session. The registration form can be found on the Foundry website, www.foundryumc.org, or at the church office. Christian Education Kick-Off for 2007-2008 Christian Education Fair We are excited about all of the upcoming opportunities to engage in learning and fellowship here at Foundry. Learn about our programs and volunteer opportunities at the Christian Education Fair. Enroll your children in Foundry’s dynamic children’s and youth Sunday school classes, meet the teachers and learn about upcoming Adult Christian Education opportunities. We hope to see you there! Teacher’s Orientation & Child Protection Training Protecting our children is a priority here at Foundry. During this time of orientation and training, we will engage in discourse that allows us to be faithful Christian educators. All teachers and volunteers are welcomed to this yearly session to share ideas and be rejuvenated! The best part, lunch is on us! Upcoming Baptism Orientations Baptism Orientation is for all who are considering baptism for themselves and/or their children. This orientation offers an opportunity for questions and conversations regarding the Biblical understanding of Baptism, Baptism in the Methodist tradition and life at Foundry, just to name a few. If interested, contact Robert McDonald at rmcdonald@foundryumc.org or Theresa Thames -Lynch at tthames@foundryumc.org for more details. Katy Wheat: Foundry's US-2 Young Adult Missionary This May, I graduated from Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea , Ohio (near Cleveland ), with a Bachelor of Arts in History and secondary concentrations in Spanish and International Studies. I am 22 years old, and have lived in Ohio most of my life. My parents, Ann and Don, are both preachers’ kids, so the church has always played an active role in my life. I have two younger sisters and a dachshund, Jack. In college, I was an active member of my sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, as well as the Office of Community Outreach, the Center for Alcohol Related Education, the Orientation Leader Program, and the B-W Costume Shop. After completion of my time as a US2, I plan to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) at the elementary school level. In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, music, sewing, and camping. My faith defines me entirely. I have been blessed with a desire to teach, to serve, and to love as Christ loves me. I first felt my call to serve God through the US2 program as a sophomore in college, and I’ve been anxious to start my mission work ever since. After a long and challenging application process, I was accepted to the program in late March. At my interview weekend, we were given the opportunity to review the applications for possible placement sites, and believe it or not, Foundry was my first choice! I am fascinated by the work Foundry does: its strong outreach focus, as well as the spiritual strength of the congregation; and the overwhelming needs of the DC population all speak to me on a very personal level. It’s really everything I was looking for in a placement site, so I feel blessed to be able to serve with you! I hope to be involved in Foundry’s outreach work in a variety of ways. I have a particular interest in issues of poverty, homelessness, and cultural diversity, so programs like the Walk-In Mission and ESL are especially exciting to me. I would love to become involved in everything I can while serving at Foundry, so expect to see me often! I am so excited to serve at Foundry, and I look forward to meeting each and every one of you. Thank you so much for a wonderful opportunity! [Editor's Note] Katy will begin her two year term of service at Foundry on August 21st, 2007. She will be focusing on developing one-time service opportunities, expanding communications about missions, and supporting the Friday Walk-In Mission . Katy’s placement with us was made possible through a generous one-time donation to Foundry missions. Setting a Course for Small Group Ministry Four sessions are planned throughout the fall to develop a new vision for small group ministry for Foundry and offer training to new leaders. Mark your calendars for October 14 for our kick-off session. Bring your lunch and join us to help us develop a new vision for our small group ministry. All are welcome. Schedule of Sessions: Sunday, November 4, Session 2: Saturday, December 8, Session 3: Saturday, January 19, Session 4: From Eileen Guenther: Thank You Dear Foundry Friends,
What I am sure of, however, is that Foundry's ministry will continue to flourish. I am sure that a robust sense of the community of faith, a concern for the needs of the world, and value placed on the sung word and the spoken word will all continue to be part of what has made Foundry a spiritual home to so many for so long. We will forever be bound together in God's love. Blessings and heartfelt thanks, Foundry Family Camp: Two Days of Fun and Fellowship Near the Bay Foundry Camp has been fun for many of us every Labor Day weekend, and we invite all of you to participate this year…it’s for all families of every type (singles, couples, single-parents, two-parents and grandparents)! It’s for the entire FOUNDRY FAMILY. It’s also a great way to relax as you get to know your Foundry family better. From Friday night to Sunday noon on Labor Day weekend, August 31 through September 2, 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. 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. Also, we will worship together on Sunday. 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! For program information, contact Theresa Thames -Lynch at tthames@foundryumc.org. For questions regarding registration, contact either Chris Matthews at chrismatt@igc.org or Ken Nesper at 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! Working Together: Building Justice, Building Community “You shall not withhold the wages of poor and needy laborers, whether other Israelites or aliens who reside in your land in one of your towns.” - Deuteronomy 24:14 Join us on Sunday, September 2, for our Labor Sunday Bilingual Services and Fellowship Lunch with the Union de Trabajadores de Washington DC . The Union de Trabajadores is an organization of day laborers of the 15 th and P Streets, NW, and Home Depot sites in DC who strive to build unity and justice for day laborers. In particular they have been organizing for a workers center in DC. The Labor Sunday program will be an opportunity to hear from the day laborers as well as from other worker campaigns about how we can work together to build justice in our communities. Foundry is one of many Christian, Muslim, and Jewish congregations throughout the Washington, DC, area who honor workers on Labor Sunday as part of “Labor in the Pulpits,” organized by Interfaith Worker Justice. Interfaith Worker Justice has also been a strong ally of the Union de Trabajadores de Washington DC .
As we live out our lives, we celebrate various Rites of Passage on our journeys. It is important that we, as a Christian community, support and challenge one another at these special life moments. One such moment comes when two people commit their lives and their love to one another. John’s gospel tells us that Jesus and his disciples celebrated with a couple at the marriage feast of Cana. It was at this wedding ceremony that water was turned into wine. Today, we as a church reach out to couples growing in their relationship and preparing for their union in a variety of ways. The Pre-Cana Weekend brings couples together with Foundry staff and other professionals to explore various aspects of their lives together from spiritual, physical, psychological, sexual, and behavioral perspectives. Our experience and feedback tells us that couples who have participated in the weekend benefit from a greater understanding of themselves and how they relate to one another, as well as developing connections and friendships with other couples. Our next Pre-Cana Weekendwill be held from October 12 - 14. The Pre-Cana Weekend is designed for couples who are planning weddings, marriage, civil unions or commitment ceremonies. The weekend brings opposite sex and same sex couples together to reflect on their lives and their relationships. For further information, or to express your interest in participating, p lease contact Robert McDonald at (202) 332-4010 or by email at rmcdonald@foundryumc.org.
Acceptable All types computer paper Rule : Anything that tears, nearly all desk-top papers Note : Metal staples and paper clips do not have to be removed – although paper clips are reusable! Not Acceptable: Anything with food residue on or in it
Annual Mission Fellowship Luncheon: Sunday, September 23rd All mission volunteers and those wanting to know more about mission activities are invited to the annual Mission Fellowship Luncheon on Sunday, September 23rd at 12:30 PM in the parlor. This yearly gathering is a way for people to socialize with one another and reflect on the year's accomplishments. Another purpose of this meeting is to welcome Katy Wheat, a United Methodist US-2 Young Adult Missionary, who will be working at Foundry for the next two years. Foundry UMC has 14 mission groups that engage in a wide range of activities such as preparing meals for the homeless, sponsoring summer camp scholarships for youth who have parents in prison, and teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). If you would like to learn more about Foundry UMC mission activities or have questions about the Mission Fellowship Luncheon, please contact Jim Walker , chair of the Mission Council (202 543-5837, jim_walker@hotmail.com ) or Jana Meyer , Minister of Missions (jmeyer@foundryumc.org, 202 332-4010). Foundry's Youth Program resumes on Sunday, September 9. We have classes for Junior High (grades 7-9) and High School (grades 10-12) on Sundays at 11:00 am, as well as monthly opportunities for fun and fellowship. If you know a young person who would benefit from the special community among our youth, please invite them to join us this fall. Contact Matt Smith , Youth Minister, at (202) 332-4010, extension 230, or at msmith@foundryumc.org. Foundry VIM Team Called to Action in Alabama
There was very little visible storm damage but, as we found out, many homes were in desperate need of repair. The home of Ms. Paulette, affectionately known as “Cookie,” was certainly one of those places. Her house sits about three feet above ground level, yet she had about 3 feet of water in her home as a result of Katrina. The water did go away but it caused the walls to mold and the wood frame of the house to rot; yet she still lived in the house because there was no other place to go. The problem was so bad that she could not even walk into her dining room, for fear of falling though the floor. Cookie's house seemed like an impossible task for the Foundry group, but with a lot of coaching from Alan Zabel and hard work from the team, the "JKL team" of Jane Ross, Ken Nesper and Lucian Casper tore out the rotted floor, added support beams and covered the floor with plywood. Bill Schaeffler and his sister, Sally Liggett, replaced the drywall in a bedroom, while David and LeEtta Townsend and others built a new set of front steps leading into the house. Cookie's home was one of five places where we worked during the week. Projects at different homes included: building steps and repairing a shed, fixing a shower and painting a bathroom, diagnosing an electrical problem and installing a light fixture. Bobbie Hodges and Jim Walker spent the whole week shingling a roof in 100 degree heat. With all this work, you can imagine that we were very tired and hungry each night. Eleanor McLean kept us well fed by coordinating our meals and purchasing the groceries. She bought a lot of fruit and broccoli! The Foundry VIM Alabama team is thankful for your prayers and well wishes. We also appreciate the congregation's support of the VIM auction in May. The auction's proceeds helped to cover some of the home repair costs and allowed us to make a donation to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church . Together, both have worked in the Bayou La Batre area since Hurricane Katrina hit. Ministers and Staff Directory Dean J. Snyder DeeAnne Lowman Jana Meyer Robert McDonald Theresa Thames -Lynch Matt Smith Katy Wheat Amy-Ellen Duke Jim Irwin
Boniface Satu Bob Benn Ashley Mitchell Alan Zabel Phil Carney and Courtney Parker Donald Thomas Melvinia Brooks Rosa Vega |
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God told Jeremiah, “Up on your feet! Go to the potter's house. When you get there, I'll tell you what I have to say." So I went to the potter's house, and sure enough, the potter was there, working away at his wheel. Whenever the pot the potter was working on turned out badly, as sometimes happens when you are working with clay, the potter would simply start over and use the same clay to make another pot. Then God's Message came to me: "Can't I do just as this potter does, people of Israel ?" God's Decree! "Watch this potter. In the same way that this potter works his clay, I work on you, people of Israel .
I am overwhelmed by your love and generosity. The service on June 24 will remain in my memory forever, as well as the beautiful (and delicious) reception which followed. I enjoyed very much the chance to greet many of you in addition to the friends and colleagues who returned for that particular Sunday and who have been important to me during my years of ministry at Foundry. The "love gift" is greatly appreciated and will be used to further my ministry in some manner that I am still unsure of at this moment. 
Members of Foundry share a dialogue with the day laborers at last year’s Labor Sunday celebration. 
This year, Foundry’s Volunteers in Mission (VIM) team traveled to Bayou La Batre, Alabama , to work on homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina and other storms. Bayou La Batre is a small fishing town – population 3,000 – on the Gulf coast, about 20 miles south of Mobile . It is the seafood capital of Alabama which is evident by the many shrimp boats and seafood processing plants in the area. 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
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(after normal office hours): (202) 306-2659