ST. COLUMBA’S Newsletter n December 2014 1

In a recent Rector Search committee forum, a wise parishioner asked what the vestry was doing to prepare for the calling of our next rector. It’s a good question–and one that the vestry has been thinking and talking about for most of 2014.

In the coming months, the vestry will be working on three things: (1) the questions we want to explore with the candidates; (2) the answers we want to give to the candidates’ questions about the parish; and (3) the spiritual discernment that must guide everything that we do.

Listening to one another and to God with our whole heart is absolutely essential to our understanding of who we are and what God is calling us to do—and ultimately to the choice of who will lead us. The vestry works very well as a team, discussing openly and honestly our blessings, challenges, mistakes—and vulnerabilities. In fact, exploring and embracing our individual and collective vulnerabilities could be a helpful exercise for all of us in preparation for welcoming our next rector.

Reading a summary of “The Advantage,” a book about lead-ership by Patrick Lencioni (which Bishop Mariann recently referenced in her blog), I came across the phrase “vulnerability-based trust,” which in turn brought to mind a popular TED talk—Brené Brown’s “The Power of Vulnerability.” It appears that vulnerability could be key to both healthy organizations and loving relationships. When we

are vulnerable, we abandon our pride and our fear, make sacrifices for the collective good of the team/ relationship, and open our imperfect honest selves to one another (a co-worker, a spouse, a new rector, God). In doing these things, we discover trust, joy, creativity, belonging and love.

Church profiles–even those that address challenges as ours does– describe parishes too good to be true; and even the most nuanced rector job description sounds messianic. We can’t help ourselves, nor should we do it any differently. We just need to be aware that these descriptions potentially and unintentionally set both sides up for disappointment. A new rector needs to see our strengths as well as our vulnerabilities; otherwise, it appears there’s no room for growth, change or leadership. Our rector must feel free to be his/her true self with us, to look for complementary gifts in others, to acknowledge mistakes, and to build trusting relationships and teams–all keys to our growing and doing great things together!

With all the gifts we have to celebrate and the many gifts we seek and will find in a new rector, let us also remember to embrace our vulnerabilities. We are all loved and good enough just as we are, a beloved people and a church-in-progress.

n Jennifer Turnersenior warden

seniorwarden@columba.org

ST. COLUMBA’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

4201 Albemarle Street NW Washington, DC 20016

202-363-4119 fax 202-686-2671

Columba.org The Rt. Rev. Joe G. Burnett

Interim Rectorjburnett@columba.org

Vol. 57, No. 10

December 2014

Newsletter

“With all the gifts we

have to celebrate and

the many gifts we

seek and will find in a

new rector, let us also

remember to embrace

our vulnerabilities.”

Embracing our Vulnerabilities

Celebrating140 Years

ST. COLUMBA’S Newsletter n December 2014 3 ST. COLUMBA’S n 202-363-4119 n Columba.org2

Commitment Sunday was such a joyous outpouring of faith in our future and support for our church. We are so grateful to all of our parishioners who gladly made a stewardship pledge for calendar year 2015. Your support each and every year is vital to St. Columba’s ability to serve God in our Christian community. Stewardship pledges enable us to nurture our faith with many opportunities for worship; provide adult and children’s courses in Christian formation; celebrate God’s love and grace with music programs for youth and adults; and serve those in need. We deeply appreciate all of our parishioners who choose to share their blessings with our parish to the glory of God.

If you have not made a calendar year 2015 stewardship pledge yet, there is still time to do so. Our goal this year is that every family makes a pledge to St. Columba’s! As we search for our next rector, please take advantage of this opportunity to affirm your Christian faith and express your commitment to the parish. Your tax-deductible gift to St. Columba’s will assure the fiscal health of the parish at a critical juncture.

You can pledge online at Columba.org by clicking on the red “Pledge” button on the home-page. If for tax reasons you would like to pay your 2015 stewardship

pledge in 2014, you can do that online as well, by clicking the green “Donate” button. For wire transfers or gifts of appreciated securities (which can afford particularly attrac-tive tax benefits), please contact Kim Carlson (kcarlson@columba.org; 202-363-4119, ext. 223). Your gift must be made online or postmarked by December 31, 2014 to qualify for a 2014 tax deduction.

Kim is happy to provide any infor-mation to facilitate your generous gifts as described above, including tax identification information for charitable foundations and trusts.

Gratitude and blessings from the Stewardship committee,Suzanne Burrows, chair

Bob BremnerAlice GregalPrentiss Lay

Laura McIntoshJohn NolanKeri PiesterLisa Whelan

stewardship@columba.org

ST. COLUMBA’S n Rich in Worship

Worship Services

Sundays in the Church Nave8 am EucharistA quiet, simple Eucharist with homily and without music.

9 am EucharistIn the Church Nave, with sermon, choirs, hymns and the healing rite. Child care is available for children 3 and under, 8:45 am to 12:30 pm.

9:15 and 11:15 am Eucharistfor families with preschool children in the Great Hall, with story-style telling of the Gospel and songs children can sing.

10:15 am Education HourSunday School, youth programs, Sunday Forum, Bible study and refreshments. (Coffee follows all morning services.)

11:15 am EucharistIn the Church Nave, with sermon, St. Columba Singers, hymns and the healing rite.5 pm Eucharist In St. Aidan’s Chapel, an evening Eucharist celebrated without music and with a brief homily. (Live@5 Epiphany on Sun., Jan. 11.)

Weekdays (in St. Aidan’s Chapel)Morning Prayer8:45 am Monday–Thursday8 am Friday Thursday Eucharist12:10 pm

Holy Baptism For information on baptismal preparation and registration, please contact the Rev. Rose Duncan (baptism@columba.org; 202-363-4119,ext. 212) or Pattie Ames (baptism@columba.org; ext. 222). Forms are due six weeks prior to the date of baptism. Upcoming dates: Jan. 11, 2015 (Baptism of Our Lord), 9 am Eucharist in the Church Nave, 9:15 am Eucharist in the Great Hall.

Stewardship 2015 Update

BA

RBA

RA M

CG

OW

AN ADVENT

Advent Sunday Forum: “Finding Our Bearings in an Uprooted Age” Sun., Nov. 30, 10:15–11:05 am, Great HallGetting out the message is an essential element of Christian life from the earliest days. Join Ray Suarez of Al Jazeera Network to explore what, in an age of quickly changing institutions in religion, journalism, media and culture, grounds us? In this season of Advent, we reflect upon signs of hope and new birth even while all around us says otherwise.

Advent Workshop for All AgesSun., Nov. 30, 3:30–4:45 pm, Great HallBegin Advent with a little hands-on creative work. Come to the Great Hall to make an Advent wreath (we supply rings, candles and holders—you supply the greens) or try your hand at other activities. Create a drawing for the Christmas bulletin contest. A $10 donation is requested to offset the cost of wreath materials.

Reach Out in AdventSun., Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and 14, CommonWe never escape the stable in this season, the reminder that at the moment of his birth Jesus was dependent on the hospitality of a stranger. Reach Out in Advent offers an opportunity to open our hearts to others. Stop by the tables in the Common to learn about ways you can reach beyond your family and friends to a world in need during this season of giving.

The Advent Wreath and Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”Fri., Dec. 5, 7 pm, Great HallWhy do we love this story–Ebenezer Scrooge’s transfor-mation from miser and misanthrope to lover of all men

and Christmas–as we do? Storyteller John Granger believes “A Christmas Carol” works at four levels and that its most profound meanings are delivered by the careful, circular sequencing of the symbols in the tale’s five chapters or ‘staves.’ Expect to be surprised and delighted by elements of Dickens’ storytelling genius you never knew in this fun Advent season presentation.Professor John Granger writes and speaks on the intersection of literature, philosophy, faith and culture. He’s published articles in Touchstone, been a keynote and featured speaker at fan conferences and major universities, and is the author and editor of seven books that have sold more than 100,000 copies.

Advent Day of Reflection: An Advent Journey On The Way To Hope With A Christmas Carol, Narnia, HarryPotter & TwilightSat., Dec. 7, 9 am–3 pmJoin us as Professor John Granger leads us through the connection between this fantasy literature and the Christian message of hope as expressed in the teaching of the Incarnation. Two presentations will frame our day: “Christmas and Fantasy Literature, An Advent Exercise” presents the case that high English fantasy is not just another diversion or escape from reality but a pilgrimage of sorts into reality; followed by “Unlocking Harry Potter: Christmas and the World’s Bestselling Books,” which explores the signature Christian elements of the series.

“The Bishop’s Forum”: The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar BuddeSun., Dec. 7, 10:15–11:05 amCome listen and speak with our Bishop as she spends the day with the St. Columba community!

“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly, or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

2 CORINTHIANS 9:8

SHORTBREAD COOKIES! Now on sale in the CommonCome stock up while the supply lasts!

AdventChristmas ~ Epiphany

Preview 2014 – 2015

ST. COLUMBA’S n 202-363-4119 n Columba.org4 ST. COLUMBA’S Newsletter n December 2014 5

Festival EucharistWed., Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, 7 pmJoin us for the full festival Christmas liturgy, with the St. Columba Singers, handbells and brass (no incense). We invite you to come early to enjoy the music prelude that begins at 6:30 pm.

Festival Choral Eucharist Wed., Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, 10:30 pmThis glorious Eucharist with music from the St. Columba Singers, Gallery and Alumni Choirs, handbells and brass, and the splendor of incense and ceremony, fills the whole Church Nave with joy. Come early and let the music that begins at 10 pm kindle a spirit of gratitude and adoration as we celebrate Christ’s birth once again.

Festival Christmas EucharistThurs., Dec. 25, Christmas Day, noonJoin us for a full liturgy with music and carols to make worship the heart of your Christmas Day.

Christmas I Sun., Dec. 28, 8, 9:15 & 10:30 amOn this first Sunday after Christmas, all services are held in the Church Nave. The 9:15 am service will follow the Great Hall style for families of preschool children. No Sunday Forum, Sunday School or Youth formation classes are held this day.

New Year’s Eve ConcertWed., Dec. 31, 6 pm, Church NaveJoin Rosa Lamoreaux, J. Reilly Lewis, John Hurd, Diane Heath, AnnColgrove and others for an evening of musical selections fromBach, Arvo Pärt and The American Songbook. Suggested donation: $20 (Students: $5). All proceeds benefit the music program at St. C’s. No advance ticket sales.

Christmas IISun., Dec. 28, 8, 9:15 & 10:30 amOn this second Sunday after Christmas, all services are held in the Church Nave. The 9:15 am service will follow the Great Hall style for families of preschool children. No Sunday Forum, Sunday School or Youth formation classes are held this day.

WA

YNE

C. F

OW

LER

JAY

TREA

DW

ELL

A Service of Lessons and CarolsSun., Dec. 7, 5 pm, Church NaveIn the late afternoon as winter darkness descends, we gather in the Church Nave to hear the prophecies and rich music of Advent. Inspired by the service from Kings College, Cambridge, this service includes music by adult, youth and children’s choirs, as well as handbells. The congregation joins in singing the great music of Advent. Child care is provided in Rm 247 for infants through age 4. Please note: This service replaces the 5 pm Live@5.

Decoration SundayDec. 21, 10–11:15 amCome help deck the halls! After the 9 am Eucharist in the Church Nave and the 9:15 am Eucharist in the Great Hall, we fan out through the building to polish and clean, hang wreaths, collate Christmas bulletins and put up decorations. There is a program for young children (and their parents) in the Great Hall, and music and refreshments to keep workers happy. Decoration Sunday activities end just before the 11:15 am Eucharists in the Great Hall and Church Nave. The Sunday Forum, Sunday School and Youth programming will not be held this day.

CHRISTMAS

Children’s Christmas ServicesWed., Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, 11 am & 3 pmThis is a joyful and lively 30 minute service with Christmas carols, prayers and the Nativity story. Children are invited to come dressed as shepherds, angels and animals to be part of the story as it unfolds in our unrehearsed Christmas pageant where we tell the Christmas story, calling children forward to Bethlehem. A parish family with their baby portrays our Holy Family and they are joined by our chief animal, angel and shepherd. The Primary Choir sings at the 11 am service.

Festival EucharistWed., Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, 5 pm As evening falls, the first Eucharist of Christmas 2014 features the Boy and Girl choirs and the St. Columba Orchestra. This service draws a large congregation, so plan to come early, and be ready for the music prelude that begins at 4:40 pm.

Find all of this information and more at Upcoming Events @ Columba.org

AdventChristmas Epiphany

Preview 2014 – 2015

AdventChristmas Epiphany

Preview 2014 – 2015

JAY

TREA

DW

ELL

JAY

TREA

DW

ELL

Prepare the Way of the Lord!

ST. COLUMBA’S Newsletter n December 2014 7 ST. COLUMBA’S n 202-363-4119 n Columba.org6

ST. COLUMBA’S n Open in Spirit

CalendarBe sure to also mark your calendar with these holiday happenings. Details @ Columba.org

Advent, Christmas and Epiphany Booklets Available Sun., Nov. 30 in the Common, Great Hall and at the Advent Workshop.

Reach Out in Advent Sun., Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and 14 Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas–the joy of giving. Come buy Christmas gifts that make a difference or donate to Outreach or mission groups.

The Creative Aging Network Wine & Appetizer Social Hour Thurs., Dec. 4 , 4-6 pm CAN is celebrating its first year as an evolving group that meets monthly for lively discussions on a variety of interesting topics (in the Common).

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde’s visit Sun., Dec. 7, all services

42nd Street Fellowship Sun., Dec. 7, 6 pm Dinner at Guapo’s following Lessons & Carols (5-6 pm)

2nd Annual National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence Thurs., Dec. 11, 3-4:30 pm Washington National Cathedral (3101 Wisconsin Ave., NW).

Mothers’ Group Christmas Potluck Fri., Dec. 12, 12 pm Christmas Potluck and holiday music with John Hurd

Water Ministry Christmas Party Fri., Dec. 19, 11 am Volunteer for this festive gathering!

New Year’s Eve Concert Wed., Dec. 31, 6 pm Music for piano, organ, harpsichord and voice performed by Rosa Lamoreaux, J. Reilly Lewis, Ann Colgrove, Diane Heath and John Hurd. Suggested Donation: $20. $5 for students. No advance ticket sales. (In the Church Nave)

EPIPHANY

Epiphany Service and PartyTues., Jan. 6, 4-5 pm The season of Epiphany celebrates Christ as the light and savior of the world, reaching all human lives. Children and adults are invited to a brief Epiphany service, and then to follow the stars to the Great Hall for activities and king cake.

Live@5 EpiphanySun., Jan. 11, 5 pm, Great HallAll are invited to the Live@5 Epiphany service, a lively alternative Eucharist with contemporary music and multimedia storytelling. Sunday Forum, Sunday School or youth formation classes resume.

A Friendly Reminder ...

The St. Columba’s parking

lot is reserved for staff use

during the week; all others

are asked to park on the

street. Thank you for your

cooperation!

Reach Out in Advent: Spiritual Preparation for Christmas

Transitions

n Pray for the souls of those who have died: Robert Grote, brother of Bill Grote, Oct. 26; Nora Anita Kasten, Oct. 28; Marie Hart, aunt of Justine Hedgepeth, Oct. 28; Sister Mary Jane Higgins, aunt of Tony Higgins, Oct. 28; James Owiti and Doris Onyango, relatives of Roselyne Gombe; Roderick Hills, father of Laura Hills, Oct. 29; Sue Hunt, mother of Sally Comiskey, Oct. 31; James O’Meara, father of Noreen Shanbacker, Nov. 5; Henryne Goode, mother of Gwen King, Nov. 7; Frances McKernon, mother of Mary Ann Ryan, Nov. 7; Shirley Ward, mother of Mike Crabtree, Nov. 11; Jean Stumpf, mother of Mark Stumpf.

n Rejoice with: Mimi and Jon McBride for the wedding of Webster McBride and Nicole Bruno, Nov. 1.

n Rejoice with: Anne and Cillian Lynch for the birth of Maeve Ita Lynch, June 13.

n Let us pray for our parish and the Rector Search committee, that during this time of discernment and transition, we may grow more deeply in spirit, faith, worship and service.

Let us know when an illness, death, transition or joyful event occurs in your life. Contact the Rev. Peter Antoci (pastoral@columba.org; 202-363-4119).

Reach Out in Advent is coming to the Common on Sun, Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14In the church calendar, Advent is a preparatory season, much like Lent. The concept is easy to grasp. However, like many of you, I find that in the midst of making gift lists, cooking holiday meals, seeing friends, preparing for family visits and helping decorate the church, it is hard to set aside quiet time to reflect on the true meaning of the season. This year, my pre-Christmas preparations also include making sure everything is ready for Reach Out in Advent. Luckily, that gives me a chance to do spiritual preparation for Christmas, as well.

Reach Out in Advent is a tangible way to remind ourselves to be mindful of the true meaning of Christmas–the joy of giving. For the first three Sundays of Advent–November 30, December 7 and December 14–Reach Out in Advent will feature tables in the Common where you can buy Christmas gifts that make a difference,from an impressive list of local and global charities. You can also drop off toys for the children of Samaritan Ministries clients and contribute books for Bishop Walker students’ home libraries. This year, a new St. Columba’s Christmas ornament will be for sale, with all profits going to support the work of all St. Columba’s mission groups or non-profit ministry partners.

In addition to chances to buy tangible or “alternative” gifts in support of individual groups’ missions, Reach Out also offers a chance to support parish outreach directly, at a one-stop shop where you can donate to your favorite mission groups or a general fund.

The following groups will be repre-sented at Reach Out in Advent:

Bishop Walker School Learn about this Episcopal school for boys (pre-K through grade 5) serving underprivileged families in southeast Washington and discover ways you can help, by volunteering, donating to Reading is Fundamental, donating books or fulfilling classroom wish lists.

Loaves And Fishes Every third Saturday, St. Columbans gather at St. Stephen and the Incarnation Episcopal Church to prepare and serve a meal to about 200 homeless men, women and children. Learn how you can help.

Peace Fellowship Buy Palestinian olive oil to support the Tent of Nations, a peacebuilding program that helps olive growers in the West Bank develop new markets.

Samaritan Ministry Samaritan Ministry will accept new toys, books and clothing for their Santa Shop, where needy parents can find gifts for their children.

Water Ministry This year St. Columba’s will give a gift of a $25 metro credit to each Water Ministry guest at Christmas. Your donation helps to defray the cost of this gift for our homeless guests.

Acts Ministries Sponsorship Stop by the ACTS (formerly Outreach Steering) committee table to support any of St. Columba’s mission groups or nonprofit ministry partners.

n Jane DanaReach Out in Advent

janetuckerdana@gmail.com

AdventChristmas Epiphany

Preview 2014 – 2015

WA

YNE

C. F

OW

LER

JAY

TREA

DW

ELL

ST. COLUMBA’S n 202-363-4119 n Columba.org8

A WELCOMING

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

THAT SEEKS TO BE

OPEN IN SPIRIT,

DEEP IN FAITH,

RICH IN WORSHIP,

ACTIVE IN SERVICE.Mailed November 25: Dated material. Please deliver promptly.

St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, 4201 Albemarle Street NW, Washington, DC 20016

Periodical PostagePaid at Washington DC

St. Columba’s monthly newsletter (USPS#002559) is published by St. Columba’s Episcopal Church. Second-class postage paid at Washington, DC. Postmaster: Send address changes to St. Columba’s Newsletter, 4201 Albemarle Street NW, Washington, DC 20016.

Thanksgivings

It’s been a year now since my get-well journey began. In this season of Thanksgiving, I give thanks for your gift of prayers.

What is remarkable about your response was its immediacy. Breathtaking. And you have stood by my family and me with your deeds–meals and books and visits and driving. Quite a deluge of love. My simple “thank you” pales by comparison.

In my experience, the most recognizable characteristic at St. Columba’s–the one that defines St. C.’s–is its capacity for prayer. The St. Columba’s prayer response is unquestionably in the DNA of the congregation. I have seen this

instantaneous and automatic response from this parish time and time again. You will have this blessing too, should you ever need it.

In Philippians 4:14-17, Paul says: “Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Not that I am looking for a gift but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.” I like the explanation of this notion about crediting to your account. The “investment value” of the Philippians’ gift is not primarily what Paul received but the “spiritual dividends” they received.

Knowing that you will receive “spiritual dividends” for your prayers gives me joy and comfort.

Thank you, St. Columbans.n Constance Azzi

constanceazzi@gmail.com

Thank you, St. Columbans!

Submit your ...Thanksgivings, news article ideas and/or pictures to Barbara McGowan bmcgowan@columba.org

Deadline for February issue is Jan. 22.

Flower and Music Donations for ChristmasParishioners are invited to donate toward special flowers and music for the Christmas services. The deadline for listing in the Christmas bulletins is Sun., Dec. 14. You may sign up in the Common on Sun., Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and 14. Sign ups and payments can also be made online; see Current News at Columba.org for details.