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Beloved
Community:
Different
Together

Rev. K.C. Van Atta-Casebier
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”
— Mother Theresa


Galatians is my favorite Epistle, for many reasons.  

Galatians gives us important tools for communal life. In fact, it might be summarized as saying, “We can be different and still belong together.” This message from Galatia resonates through Appalachia.

Johnny (not his real name) is an older gentleman who lives next door to the house that we worked on this summer in Clay County, WV with Appalachia Service Project. The first time I met Johnny, he asked me how many were in our group. I gave him my estimate. He responded, “No, I’m gonna need the exact number.”

I counted our group and relayed the actual number to Johnny. He walked slowly back over to his house and came back with a handful of popsicles, one for each of us. He then went over to each youth and each adult and offered us what he had, which we received gratefully in the 90-degree heat.

Over the next few days, we spent significant time with Johnny. He came to the family picnic and played cornhole with us. We had meaningful conversations where he shared about his life and his hobbies (woodworking and gardening) and asked the youth about their lives. “You’re my crew,” he would say.

During the family picnic, he turned to me and asked bluntly what I was doing on this trip. Uncertain of his reaction, I told him I was a Pastor at our church.

Johnny’s eyes lit up. “Good for you,” he said. “I’m Baptist and they keep wanting me to be a member at the one in town, but I’m not going to let them win,” Johnny quipped. I thought about the divisions in the church, and how in reality, Johnny has the right mindset. There should be no winners.

The Galatians had to learn how to coexist — Jews and Gentiles — by reimagining who they were as beloved, liberated community together. We, too, must learn how to offer what we have to one another, how to see beyond our differences, and how to seek safety, peace, and the flourishing of all things good.

With you, 

Pastor K.C.
Associate Pastor, Director of Family Ministries


Hands, Hammers
and Hearts

Aminah Martin
In late June, the Foundry youth group trekked across the Appalachian Mountains into Clay County, West Virginia, to spend a week repairing people’s homes. 

As my last Appalachian Service Project as a Foundry youth, this one was extra special.

My group spent the week putting siding on a house. No one in our group had a clue how to do this, except for Bill Harkins and Whitney Kinsey who know how to do just about everything. But by the end of the first day, we got the hang of it, only to be told the next day that we had to undo it all because they had supplied us with incorrect materials.

We kept our spirits up, and by the end of the week, with lessons in hammering, leveling, and climbing, and a few visits from the next-door neighbor and his dog with refreshing popsicles and motivation at just the right time, we finished our half of the house. It was magnificent . . . and level!

Four youth (with the help of two knowledgeable adults) who only slightly knew each other or how to hold a hammer, installed siding, and formed bonds that will last. On the fourth day, we met our homeowner, who was so grateful to have us there that she was willingly late for work so that she could meet the people who came so far to help her and thank us in person.

On both my ASP trips, I’ve been tasked with something I have never done before, but each time I’ve learned how to do what I need to because I know I’m doing it for someone who needs it, and that my work will keep someone warmer, safer, and drier.

This summer was my last ASP as a youth, but I have already made plans to return next year and in the following years as a volunteer leader, because this trip is one of the most impactful, important, and meaningful experiences I’ve ever had, and I know that my service is making a difference for someone.

Thank you to Lynn Mullins and Rev. K.C. Van Atta-Casebier, for organizing and leading our trip, and thank you to everyone who donated to ASP and made our trip possible. 

Aminah Martin has been at Foundry her whole 18 years, and recently graduated from St. John’s College High School. She will be attending Barnard College and running track at Columbia University this fall.
Foundry Scholarship Winners
Margie McKelvey


This year, six individuals have been awarded scholarships from Foundry for their studies in the 2022–2023 school year.
Our Scholarship Ministry team awarded one Edward W. Bauman Scholarship (named for Foundry's senior pastor from 1964 until 1992). The Bauman scholarship is for those attending seminary and planning to enter Christian ministry.

Five others are receiving Alida Smith Memorial Scholarships (named for D.C. educator and Foundry member Alida Smith). These are for undergraduate and graduate students at any institution.
Emily Farnell is beginning her studies at Yale Divinity School, and has been awarded the Edward W. Bauman Scholarship.
Naomi Johnson is entering Spelman College, and was awarded the Alida Smith Scholarship.
VaShawn McIlwain-Lightfoot is completing his PhD in Musical Arts/Vocal Music Performance at the University of Maryland. He was awarded the Alida Smith Scholarship.
Lindsey Reynolds is beginning a master’s program in Speech Pathology at Teachers College, Columbia University. She was awarded the Alida Smith Scholarship.
Micah Kim is studying nursing. She was awarded the Alida Smith Scholarship.
Kelly Rogers is beginning a master’s program in Peace and Justice at Union Theological Seminary, and was awarded the Alida Smith Scholarship.
Foundry Forward
AUGUST 2022 ACTION ITEMS

Sunday, August 7
"Lighten Up!"

The Bible is not generally considered a humorous book — but funny images and amusing characters are sprinkled throughout its pages. In August we’re studying the story of Jonah, the one book of the Bible that is pure theological, comedic satire. As with most comedy, you will likely find yourself in the story in a way that will teach you — and might even make you laugh.

Today we share communion and begin this exploration with a sermon entitled “Lighten Up!” The texts are the first sixteen verses of Jonah — and Luke 24:36-43. Humor can help us get moving; it can help us survive in “heavy” times. Join us at either the 9 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. service!

Sunday, August 14
Let There Be Joy!

Jonathan Brown, Associate Pastor and Director of Discipleship Ministries, will preach the second sermon in our “Let There Be Joy” series. In times like these, we can easily get mired in gloom. In our desire to make a difference, we can become too intense and/or sad. But God invites us to share in the mending of the world. It’s not all on us! Pastor Jonathan will preach on the text in Jonah, beginning with the 17th verse of chapter 1 and continuing to the 10th verse of chapter 2.

Sunday, August 21
"The Luckiest Prophet Ever"

The often counter-cultural spiritual practice of giving is the theme of today’s sermon by Pastor Ginger Gaines-Cirelli. Her text is the third chapter of Jonah, which includes the story of a short sermon that changed everything. That never happens! Or does it?

Tuesday, August 23
Foundry Board Meeting

Foundry’s Board convenes its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. If you are interested in attending, use this Zoom link.

Sunday, August 28
And There Will Be Joy!

Ben Roberts, Foundry’s Associate Pastor and Executive Director of Programs and Justice, will preach today on the final chapter of Jonah, concluding our series.

Pastor Ben recently returned from a two-week pilgrimage to study ecumenism, during which he visited the World Council of Churches headquarters in Geneva and Taizé in France, among other stops. This is the first portion of a two-year fellowship he has been awarded to study the practical level of ecumenical and interfaith relationships.

Foundry Family Ministries invites you to join us at the beautiful West River United Methodist Camp for a time of rest, recreation and fun. All are invited — whether you are a single, couple, parent, non-parent, grandparent, or friend, you are welcome! Accommodations are provided in lodges with air conditioning and bathrooms. Campers need to bring a sleeping bag, towel, toiletries, and a snack to share. Registration is now open.

For more information on the events above and other upcoming events at Foundry, go to foundryumc.org/events.
 
Foundry Forge

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