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“Let us go forward in Christ's name as a community of faith; to grow in faith through worship, witness and love for one another and our neighbor”
— St. Anne's Mission Prayer
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St. Anne's Episcopal Church is a vibrant, energetic, optimistic, fun, and loving community of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington located in Upper Montgomery County, MD. As Episcopalians we believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are descendants of and partners with the Church of England and the Scottish Episcopal Church, and are part of the third largest group of Christians in the world.
We believe in following the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world.
Ours is a legacy of inclusion. We aspire to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being. We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.
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In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells two parables, one about a lost coin and one about a lost sheep to show how God is different than us. No one in their right mind would do what Jesus talks about in these parables, and that is Jesus’ point…no one but God would. God will go to extravagant lengths to “find the lost” in order to bring us into relationship with God and with each other. And this is good news! Why? Because the truth is we all wander and all of us are lost.
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Stewardship is a year round event! This is why we support our church.
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Stewardship 2020 - Living Our Mission
September 15th our 2020 giving campaign begins
A Poem for Stewardship by John Brewer
Money is something
that we all desire.
We need buckets full
to comfortably retire.
The value of money
through the years may change.
Those currency markets
are often quite stange.
We need money to
simply survive.
The more we make
the nicer our drive.
Money is important
but let’s not get obsessed.
Think comstantly about profits
and you’ll never get rest.
We need money to pay
for services and goods.
Otherwise, we’d be back
in the caves and the woods.
Since this is something
we always need,
We must be careful to
avoid it’s greed.
This is the reason that we come to church
and we must not leave our services in the lurch.
So when you sit down and divide up your stash,
Remember St Anne’s needs a share of that cash.
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Vestry "tweaks" the Mission Statement of St. Anne's
First - Don't Worry - the words are almost the same and we will continue to declare our mission at the end of the service.The main difference is that our new Mission Statement orients us more to an outward focus - a focus on WHY we exist as a church.
The vestry has been going through training from the UNSTUCK church group that is guiding the Diocese in the Diocesan Strategic Planning Process. Over the last several years the Vestry has taken a lead role in doing strategic planning for our future as a community of Faith. It is no small matter that this planning has allowed us to improve ourselves as a faith community.
Strategic planning is an on-going process and like the diocese, the Vestry has been looking at our goals for the next 5 years. One fo the first questions we were tasked with looking at was asking ourselves why we exist as a church and looking at our Holy Scripture to answer that question. According to scripture the church was called together in order to "bring others to Christ" and the Vestry felt that our Mission Statement should reflect that. After all the purpose of a Mission Statement is to state the mission and to help guide our decisions and the Vestry felt that the outward focus was not clearly stated in our mission.
As a result the Vestry unanimously voted, after much prayer and discussion to modify our Mission Statement and to clarify our Vision for the next 5 years. (The vision is basically the main goals of our community.) The next step is identifying some steps to lead us to the goals we are setting for St. Anne's.
So here is our updated Mission Statement:
To bring others to Christ through Worship, Witness, and Love for one another and our neighbor.
At the end of the service we will offer a prayer declaring our mission together - this declaration will be:
As a community of faith, let us go forward, to bring others to Christ, though Worship, Witness, and Love for one another and our neighbor.
As to our Vision for the next 5 years - we are still working on the precise wording but you can get the gist of our vision in this draft:
- We will inspire people to take the next step towards Christ increasing our membership.
- We will continue to Revitalize our Faith Community, insuring our financial stability for the future.
- We will partner with each other and others in the community to support the needs of the surrounding areas.
Your vestry remains hard at work to ensure our commitment to Christ and our success for years to come!
The Vestry
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Annual Meeting Date Set
The Annual Meeting of St. Anne's will take place during and following our worship on January 12, 2020. Please save the date!
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Vestry Notes
- At the Annual Meeting we will be electing the Junior Warden (2-year term) and two at large members (3-year term) of the vestry. The nominating committee consists of John Catlin, Mary Pacey and Bill Mathews. Currently Kurt Yonkovich and Vivian Logan were completing terms vacated by others. As such they both are eligible and have agreed to stand for re-election to the vestry. In addition John Catlin has agreed to stand for re-election for Junior Warden. As per our by-laws, if anyone is interesting in being nominated to stand for election, then please see a member of the nominating committee.
- No concerns or questions arose from the opportunity for the congregation to ask questions of the Sabbatical Planning Team on a recent Sunday. Currently we are planning for a potential sabbatical from the last week of April through the first week of August in 2021 for the Rector. As planning continues ore details will be shared with the congregation and other opportunities for questions will be given.
- Father Lee met with the county regarding potential needs for the Walker House to eventually convert it into Transitional Housing for women victims of domestic violence. The proposed use of the Walker House was well received and the county informed St. Anne's that no changes or additions to the house were required, and no special permit was needed to house up to 8 women. The Vestry continues to work with Opening New Doors on the potential use of the Walker House for this purpose.
- The vestry received a presentation on the Diocesan strategic planning process. The raft strategic plan was reviews along with possible changes to the structure of the diocese, to include the appointment of regional Deans of each region of the diocese to help facilitate the implementation of the strategic plan.The vestry made the requested feedback on the plan to the diocese.
- The Vestry discussed the annual Mutual Ministry Review of the Rector/Congregation. The Mutual Ministry Review process will begin in October.
- The next permit review hearing date for the Affordable Senior Housing is on Nov. 14th, 2019, time TBD by the county.
- The Vestry will be researching the costs and logistics of providing transportation to the Presiding Bishop's special service in the Diocese of Washington slated for January 26, 2020. All parishioners will be encouraged to attend.
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Anyone have a photo drone?
We need to know if anyone has a photo capable drone who would be willing to use to take some pictures of St. Anne's. If so, please contact Kristie Taylor.
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St. Clare's Guild
St. Clare's Guild will hold its next meeting ON Friday, October 11th at 11:30am at St. Anne's Church in the all-purpose room on the lower level of the "old" building.
St. Clare's Guild is an arts ministry that creates gifts for members of the congregation both to provide comfort and mark milestones.
These include prayer shawls and prayer lap robes for people who are sick or have experienced the loss of a loved one, cross-stitched pillows for infants and children who are baptized, afghans for high school graduates and handcrafted wooden crosses for confirmands and adult bapistmal candidates. Each gift is wrapped in prayer for the recipient.
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Music Notes
This week during the Offertory the vocal choir will sing the Afrircan American spiritual Lord, I Want to Be a Christian, arranged by Kathy C. Bowen. Both the text and tune were first published in Folk Songs of the American Negro (1907), compiled by brothers Frederick Work and John W. Work, Jr. This music is an example of the slow, sustained, long-phrased tune found in a number of African American spirituals. In the manner of many such spirituals, this is a call-and-response song. Source - Hymanry.org
Vocal Choir - Like to sing? Come join us for a rehearsal on a Thursday evening and give us a try. We rehearse every Thursday starting at 7:30 p.m. Not sure or have questions? Talk to Rachel, our Organist/Music Director or any member of the vocal choir on Sunday. We especially need sopranos and altos.
Bell Choir – Want to know what it feels like to play the bells? Have questions? After the 10:00 am service Steve Mullen will be available in the choir area to talk to you about bells and demonstrate bell playing. You can even have a go at playing a bell. Come join us and find out what it’s all about. We need more Ringers so that we can play three octaves pieces.
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Men's Fellowship and Study Group
All men of St. Anne's are invited to gather together for a time of fellowship and study Friday Evenings. The Men's group will be meeting on Friday, Sept 20th. Meetings are held at the offices of Reed Owens, located at 9701 New Church Road, Unit A, in Damascus. More information will follow next week!
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St. Anne's Book Club: Books and Brunch!
The St. Anne's Book Club will meet on Saturday, October 12 at 11 a.m. at Carolyn Mills's home for books and brunch. All are welcome.
If you want to join us, please RSVP to Carolyn by Wednesday, October 9 at CVRetired@gmail.com
We will discuss Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens.
And looking ahead…
Date: Saturday, November 16
Place: Buckingham's Choice hosted by Mary Grubb
(Buckingham's Choice is located at 3200 Baker Circle, Adamstown, Maryland 21710.)
The book: Still Life: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel (A Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Book 1), by Louise Penny
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Opening New Doors Foundation Invites YOU
1st Annual Domestic Violence Fundraising Dinner
There are still tickets left!
Below is an invitation from Opening New Doors Foundation. St. Anne's has been working with them in their important mission to assist women who are vicimts of domestic violence. I hope someone you may be able to attend or at least spread the word about this fundraiser. If you go, I'll see you there! Fr. Lee+
Event to be held at the following time, date, and location:
Thursday, October 3, 2019 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
The Lodge at Little Seneca Creek
14500 Clopper Road
Boyds, MD 20841
Regardless, whether you are able to attend, please help us to spread the word and share with anyone that may be interested in joining us.
We hope you are able to join us on Thursday, October 3, 2019 for our 1st Annual Domestic Violence Fundraising Dinner! Tickets are limited, so please don't forget and purchase now.
Opening New Doors Foundation Inc. supports victims and survivors of domestic violence throughout their individualized process of healing and becoming self sufficient. We assist them regardless of the bumps and turns that their lives may take. Through focusing on ensuring that all of their basic human needs, and emotional needs are met, Opening New Doors Foundation Inc. offers our clients an opportunity to heal and gain new opportunities.
Opening New Doors Foundation Inc.'s 1st Annual Domestic Violence Fundraising Dinner will celebrate our community, supporters, and raise awareness about the need for domestic violence services at a fundraising event with our guest speakers.
Join us for guest speakers, great food, raffles and a silent auction. All sponsorships and donations will enable Opening New Doors Foundation Inc. to continue to provide counseling, case management, relocation assistance, and to reach our ultimate goal of opening a transitional housing program for victims and survivors of domestic violence and their children.
Formal Attire Requested
You can purchase tickets here. (or share to your friends)
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Sign Up Now for Sightlines!
Registration Deadline is 10/14
Interested in the Spirituality of Aging? OR - Would you like to guide those who are aging in their spirituality? Then join us for an info night on the Sightlines program.
- Sunday, October 20, 2019
- Church of the Ascension in Gaithersburg
- 5pm - 7pm
- Leaders: Our own Eugene Wright and Susan Walker (diocesan SIGHTLINES coordinator)
- Heavy snacks, constituting a light supper, on hand. EDOW will order and pay.
- All welcome to learn more about SIGHTLINES: lay and clergy, friends, community folks. No charge!
For more details and to register:
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Need Help with Your Realm Profile?
This Sunday Kristie Taylor will continue to be available in the Parish Hall to help you update your REALM information and (if needed) to show you how to manage communications.
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2019 - 2020 Community Concert Series Season
November 10, 4:30 p.m. Kim Weitkamp, storyteller. Kim Weitkamp is a storyteller at the top of her craft. She can be described in many ways---speaker, storyteller, humorist, singer and songwriter. She blends humor and heartache, seriousness and silliness, and links them together with music in her stories. She performs for tens of thousands of people a year, nationally and internationally, at festivals and theaters. She keynotes for Forbes companies and boasts a mantel full of awards. Kim is always creating and recording new material and producing award-winning albums. Her stories are memorable and easy to enjoy. Come to experience her talents for yourself. THIS CONCERT IS RESCHEDULED FROM THE SNOW CANCELLATION IN FEBRUARY 2019.
December 15, 4:30 p.m. The Heimat Quartet. A classical Christmas. The string quarter features Patrick Shaughnessy and Aubrey Holmes on Violin, Ivan Mendoza on Viola and Brendon Phelps, cello. The quartet recently debuted at Carnegie Hall and made their European debut in Hamburg, Germany in 2017. They have performed in South America and Canada and as well as at numerous universities and conservatories. From 2015 to 2017 they were the String Quartet-in-Residence at Western Reserve Academy in Ohio. Each player brings a wide array of experience and energy to the group…”a quartet that both takes music seriously and enjoys it…sincere…vivacious”.
March 15, 4:30 p.m. Lilt and Culkin School dancers. St. Anne’s is continuing our very popular St. Patrick’s Day celebration by offering performances from the marvelous duo, Lilt, and from award-winning dancers from the Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance. Tina Eck on flute and tin whistle and Keith Carr on bouzouki, tenor banjo and vocals have been playing and recording award-winning traditional Irish music together since 2009 in the U.S. and abroad. They are extremely popular performance musicians in the Washington, D. C. area. Tina and Keith are also both well-known teachers of Irish music. You will hear jigs and reels, polkas and hornpipes, and an occasional slow air or song. The dancing and music will have you tapping your toes and clapping your hands.
May 3, 4:30 p.m. Shenandoah Run. Formed in Washington, D. C. in 2011, Shenandoah Run is a nine-member folk ensemble that showcases the spirited sounds of traditional Americana, along with the occasional country, bluegrass and contemporary folk. The band delivers a lively mix of music, vocals and styles. They provide top-notch musicianship and soaring harmonies, all done in pursuit of their vision—keeping folk music alive and fresh. Guitars, percussion, bass, fiddle , banjo and vocalists deliver a rousing mix of music that will make you think of everything from Patsy Cline, to Simon and Garfunkel or the New Christy Minstrels. This is a show for music lovers of all ages and a rousing end to St. Anne’s 2019-2020 Community Concert Series.
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SAVE THE DATES
Three important events happening this Fall that we will either need your help on or want you to attend!
- September 28, 2019 - Women of St. Anne's Day Retreat
- October 5, 2019 - BLESSING of the ANIMALS - Ovid Hazen Wells Recreational Park
- October 6, 2019 - Bishop's Visitation - Time to show off all that we are!
- October 20, 2019; 5pm-7pm, Sightlines INFONIght at Church of the Ascension
- November 8-9, 2019, Christmas Bazaar
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A Very Special Diocesan Convention January 25-26, 2020
"More Jesus, More Love"
All people of the Diocese encouraged to attend the Special Worship Service on Jan. 26th
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will be present for our next Diocesan Convention. It is at this convention that the diocese will also be launching the new Strategic Plan for the diocese. As part of the convention, the Presiding Bishop will be holding, what he calls a Revival Service. If you have never had the opportunity to witness our Presiding Bishop in action...this is THE OPPORTUNITY!
The event will be held at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in SE Washington and every one in the diocese is strongly encouraged to attend. It will be an amazing event! The vestry is looking into the possibility of providing a bus or two for St. Anne's parishioners to go together to the event. Please stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
You won't want to miss this!
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Jews and Christians Talk SEX
An Interfaith dialog on Gender and LGBTQ+ Sexuality
Rabbi Allison Kobey, of Congregation Or Chadash, the local synagogue, our own Father Lee and the pastors (Kathryn Woodrow and Sherwyn Benjamin) of Damascus United Methodist church will be holding a joint program on Gender and LGBTQ+ sexuality. The program will focus on sensitivity, inclusion, and understanding. The program is still being developed but here are the major details. Light Refreshments will be available at all meetings. You may attend one or all, but are encouraged to attend all!
Wednesday, February 5, 7:30pm-9:00pm
Congregation Or Chadash
Defining LGBTQ+
Wednesday, February 19, 7:30pm-9:00pm
St. Anne's Episcopal Church
Scriptural Understanding
Wednesday, March 4, 7:30pm-9:00pm
Damascus Untied Methodist Church
Struggles and Challenges and role of Faith
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If you are a regular attender or member of St. Anne's and are not part of REALM - please sign up!
How do I start? Follow a few simple steps.
If you haven’t received an invitation to join Realm yet:
- Visit https://onrealm.org/saintannesdamascus to set up a Realm login. You will see a link to register now, if you do not already have a login.
- You can also download Realm Connect for your mobile device, visit http://onelink.to/connectapp to download the mobile app.
- Your Realm login works on your home computer and on your mobile devices, so when you sign into Realm, use the login you created in step 1 for the computer or the app.
- Check to make sure that we have your address and other personal information entered correctly under My Profile. If anything is incorrect, you can change it.
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Planning Travel? Enjoy a Vacation knowing you are helping St. Anne's at the same time.
Did you know Fr. Lee's spouse, Daniel, owns his own travel company, Bellissimo Travel? Bellissimo Travel specializes in Tours (escorted or independent), cruise vacations, and specialty itineraries! Basically any type of travel!
If you book through Bellissimo Travel, they will give 10% of the earned commission back to St. Anne's.
Contact Bellissimo Travel through their website BellissimoTravel.com or by calling Dan at 301-798-3344.
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Invitation to the HeartSong Workshop
One of Bishop Mariann's favorite Spiritual Musicians
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Clergy or Lay Nominations Sought for delegates from The Episcopal Church to the 2021 Assemble of the World Council of Churches
Submission Deadline: October 31, 2019
The Rev. Canon Michael Barlowe, Secretary of the General Convention, announced that The Episcopal Church has been invited to send delegates to the 2021 Assembly of the World Council of Churches, scheduled for September 8 – 16, 2021 in Karlsruhe, Germany.
The theme for the 2021 Assembly is: “Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity.”
The Assembly is the "supreme legislative body" of the WCC and meets every eight years. The formal purpose of the Assembly is to review programs and determine the overall policies of the WCC, as well as to elect presidents and appoint a Central Committee which serves as the chief governing body of the WCC until the next assembly.
The planning committee has described the 11th Assembly as “a place of listening to each other, building trusted relationships, discerning together the way forward, encouraging each other to work together for change, and celebrating Christ’s gift of love with gratitude and joy.”
The WCC website notes that “Alongside the committee work and business sessions for the delegates, assemblies are also times of celebration and sharing for the many thousands of other visitors at the event. A central element of assemblies for all participants is the worship life, where the community gathers for prayer and meditation, drawing on the diverse spiritual experience of the churches around the world.”
For more information on the Assembly, see: https://tinyurl.com/y2fgua7l
Nominations to serve are being accepted through October 31 and may be
submitted online here.
Nominees may be clergy or lay and must be at least 18 years of age by September, 2021.
There is no cost to a delegate to attend. Executive Council will select the delegates from the nominations submitted.
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