A Word from Laura: All Saints' Day
Although All Saints’ is an ancient tradition, the only thing I knew growing up was that it was the name of my neighbor’s Episcopal Church. All Saints’ Day is the tradition of remembering those who have died in the past year, usually members of a church or loved ones.
Some Christian traditions make the distinction between All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day – the saints being those who are within the church, the souls being those who are beyond. That line of thinking is problematic for so many reasons, the most important being that Jesus never made that distinction.
On Tuesday night I worshiped at a memorial service at Temple Rodef Shalom in McLean, alongside...
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Stewardship 2018:
Generosity and Commitment
Western's ministry in Foggy Bottom, in the Washington region, and around the world, is made possible by you. When you give to Western, you support our Mission Benevolence budget, which in turn provides help for women in crisis through Calvary Women’s Services, works to reunite immigrant families through Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, and helps to shelter homeless LGBTQ youth in the District through Casa Ruby...
To date, we have received 18 pledges totaling $75,030 which is 18% of the $420,000 goal.
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Perhaps it’s as simple as this: Voting is an Act of Faith
As we near the mid-term elections, the Presbyterian Office of Public Witness offers this reflection: “Voting is a civic duty, a sacred responsibility, and a natural extension of faithful action. Even when our problems seem too big to confront and our one vote seems too small to make a difference, it is precisely then that our responsibility is greatest.”
READ MORE FROM OPW
SEE A PRAYER FOR VOTING
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Candy Collection? Yes!
Sundays, November 4 and 11
Get rid of that tempting Halloween candy and help a good cause by bringing candy to church to donate to HIPS: Helping Individual Prostitutes Survive.
HIPS staff bring small, bite-sized pieces of candy with them during their evening outreach. Offering a piece of candy is a great way for the outreach workers to break the ice and encourage people to come to the van for the first time for counseling, health screening and other services.
There will be baskets set-up for candy drop-off by both entrances to the sanctuary this Sunday.
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Anti-Racism Group
Sunday, November 11 at Northminster Presbyterian Church
Western’s anti-racism group will gather at Northminster Presbyterian Church after worship. John Molina-Moore will be leading a joint discussion with members of Northminster as part of the Presbytery’s Dismantling Racism initiative. J. Herbert Nelson will be preaching at Northminster that day. As always, all are welcome to participate whether you have joined us in the past or not. Northminster is located at 7720 Alaska Ave NW and worship begins at 11am.
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Roof Update from the Facilities Manager
October 25th marked the official start of the roof replacement project here at Western. This project will replace the existing roof which is more than 20 years old and replace it with a new improved 20 year, no leak guarantee roof. Consisting of three (3) phases: removal of solar panels, complete roof membrane replacement, and re-installation of the solar panels, it is estimated that the entire project will take 4 to 5 weeks to complete. It is possible, weather permitting, that completion could occur within 3 weeks.
During construction, access to the garage area will be restricted / limited on Saturdays. Saturday has been designated at the debris removal day to reduce the overall cost of the project and eliminate the costs of road closures thru the DC government. Below you will find a few photos from the roof project. As always, thanks for your support.
- Sterling Thomas, Facilities Manager
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Our Kids Need Paint Smocks!
If you have any old shirts or aprons at home (men's dress shirts and oversized t-shirts work well), please bring them to the second floor Program Office, or contact Kathryn Urban.
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Prayer Request
Although in good spirits, Tom Robinson has been placed in hospice care and remains at Bel Pre Rehabilitation Center. He would love copies of the Atlantic or the Economist. Feel free to leave copies in the church office with his name on them.
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Before Worship:
11am Worship:
After Worship:
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Installation of Rev. Scott Ramsey
Sunday, November 4 at 4pm
Lewinsville Presbyterian Church
The National Capital Presbytery Invites you to join us for the Installation of Rev. Scott Ramsey as Pastor of Lewinsville Presbyterian Church. Scott, Pastor Laura’s spouse, has been serving as the Interim Pastor at Lewinsville but is now stepping into the role of installed pastor. The service is Sunday, November 4 at 4:00 pm with Rev. Susan Andrews preaching. A reception will follow the service. (Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, 1724 Chain Bridge Road McLean, Virginia 22101)
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Save the Date
Worship - Miriam's Kitchen Sunday
11/18 - 11:00am | MK Dining Hall
Children's Christmas Pageant
12/16 - 11:00am | Sanctuary
Annual Vigil for the Homeless
12/21 | Luther Place Memorial Church
Ecumenical Advocacy Days
4/5-4/8 | TBA
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Selah
Thursday, November 8 at 8pm
Our Selah services will start back up this fall. Selah is our alternative worship service that is rooted in contemplation, meditation and a little bit of yoga. Instead of Sunday evenings we will be moving them to Thursday nights in conjunction with our “Last (Thursday) Suppers” for campus ministry. We will meet the Courtyard Room at 8pm. Services will be on 11/8, 11/29 and 12/13.
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Children's Choir
Sundays through December 16, 10AM-10:50AM
Be a part of the children's Christmas Pageant! This is a fun, multi-age group, and no singing or "performing" experience is required. In fact, it's really important that we don't view the pageant as a performance, but rather as a way to share the Christmas story through music. Come, bring friends, and join the fun! Contact Amy DeLoise.
Photo by Anders Gyllenhaal
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Sponsor a “Starter Kit” for Newly Housed Miriam’s Kitchen Guests
We all need the basics when we move to a new home. For our unhoused neighbors moving into permanent supportive housing, that need is even bigger and you can help meet it. Items like cleaning supplies, dishes and silverware, bed sheets, and bath towels are no longer provided by DC government and can’t be purchased with food stamps.
Our Mission Ministry is partnering with Miriam’s Kitchen to provide “Starter Kits” with these supplies for two newly housed guests each month. You can sponsor a kit for $100, the Mission Ministry Team will do the shopping, and Miriam’s staff will deliver the items to the resident. Give online by choosing “Mission/Miriam’s Starter Kit” as your designation, or write “Starter Kit” it on your check. Organized by Cheryl Williams (cherylswilliams@verizon.net).
BECOME A SPONSOR
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
*HABIT: EAT LESS MEAT
Did you know that nearly 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions* come from livestock?
LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP
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Prayer Requests
Would you like the Deacons and others in the church to pray for you? Submit a prayer request. If you would like to join the Deacons in prayer, login to CCB: Church Community Builder, and join the group "Prayer Requests."
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