Washington, DC 20011 Peoples Prodder · Washington, DC 20011 Rev. Brandon Harris Senior Minister...

JULY EDITION | page

Minister’s Message

Peoples Prodder

Peoples Congregational United Church o f Christ

4704 Thirteenth Street , NW

Washington, DC 20011

Rev. Brandon Harris Senior Minister

Rev. Mahogany S. Thomas Executive Minister

Worship Service Each Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Holy Communion First Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Adult Church School

Each Sunday at 9:00 a.m.

†

Wednesday Word 7:00 a.m.

Wednesday Prayer 12:00 Noon

†

Bible Study Each Thursday at 6:00 p.m.

**************

202-829-5511

www.peopleschurchucc.org

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Dear Church:

It has been repeatedly said that these are in-

deed unusual times we live in. There is no

question about that. In the midst of so much

that has changed we have also witnessed God

at work in the world and in our Church fami-

ly. I want to take time to offer a word of grati-

tude for our community of faith. Thank you for your faithful presence as

we worship online. None of us could have imagined needing to shift to

online worship in a matter of days and then to continue to worship

online; yet our Church has risen to the task. I want to thank Jackie

Greene for the incredible work he has done in crafting our digital pres-

ence each Sunday morning. Thank you for your faithful giving of tithes

and offering weekly. Thank you to the musicians, singers, scripture

readers, and worship assistants who have led us in the worship of God

weekly. Thank you to our volunteers for leading VBS, assisting in the

management of the Church, and caring for those in need. Thank you to

the Church Council and the Board of Trustees for their faithful stew-

ardship of our Church. Thank you to the Deacons for their phone trees

and assisting in keeping our Church family connected. Thank you to

the members of our Church who serve our wider UCC community in

the Association, Conference, and National Settings. Thank you to our

youth and families of our Church who have participated in our worship

services. There is so much to be grateful for! Though we have been a

Church dispersed, God has been at work within our community of faith

as we renew, reach, and restore. So thank you, thank you, thank you for

continuing to be the Church!

With Love and Prayers,

Rev. Harris

JULY EDITION | page 2

Lately, I have meditated a lot on transitions. Time is filled with swift transitions, and my hope continues to be rooted in Jesus. We are now one month into my

transition here as your Execu-tive Minister, and each day brings new projects, new ide-as, and deeper relationships. My role as your Executive Minister includes assisting Rev. Harris with the spiritual mission and ministry at Peo-

ples Church. At the same time, my role also provides leadership to the day-to-day operations of our congre-gation. It is my prayer that together, we continue to ensure our actions collectively support the life of the Church and building God's kingdom here on earth. While the techniques of developing relationships are different in a COVID-19 reality, the power of authen-tic love continues to prevail. Growing with each of you continues to bring joy to my spirit and I give God thanks for my journey here to Peoples. In my first month, my work included developing rela-tionships with our staff and a dynamic team of volun-teers. Rev. Harris and I have shared roles in worship. I am working with the Personnel Committee and Jack-ie Greene to identify someone to serve our technology department. We also applied for the Emergency Technology Grant from the Central Atlantic Confer-ence to support our multimedia team in purchasing additional ZOOM licenses to allow us to continue to minister in our virtual reality. I attended meetings with the Board of Trustees, Church Council, Deacons, Personnel Committee, Women's Fellowship, and even had a one-on-one with some of you. I participated in one of our Vaca-tion Bible School sessions to share the love of God and briefly discuss what it means to serve others. Our journey together is just beginning, yet I have so much to be grateful for. We are called by God to act in love. So, my prayer is this; in all we do, may we continue to exude authentic hospitality and share God's love. The Spirit of God calls us to be bold, so may we be bold on this journey together.

On Sunday, May 24, 2020, after his sermon, Rev. Harris asked the children and youth of Peoples

Church to draw a picture, color or write down their thoughts about the Virtual Service that he preached,

entitled a "CHURCH IN ISOLATION."

Marli Stevenson, an 8 year-old member, sent this de-piction to share with her Church family. Thank you

Marli, we are blessed by your art and talent.

LECTIONARY READINGS for July, 2020

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, July 5 Old Testament: Psalm 45: 10-17

Gospel: Matthew 11: 16-19, 25-30

†

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 12 Old Testament: Psalm 119: 105-112


†

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, July 19 Old Testament: Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24


†

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, July 26 Old Testament: Psalm 128



STUDENT RECOGNITION

On Sunday, June 27, 2020 we celebrated Student Recognition Sunday, which was set aside to congratulate those who have achieved an academic goal or those who are just beginning. During this time of the pandemic, it was especially important to recognize students who have not been able to participate in traditional graduation activities. So we celebrated scholars from kindergarten to graduate school. Scholars who are part of the Peoples Church family or from the local community.

KINDERGARTEN ▼ : Peoples Congregational UCC provides 3 types of scholarships:

1. Peoples Church scholars (noted below by▼)

2. Peoples Community Scholars

3. District Scholars, who are students from all over the

city and usually non-members of the church.

In addition to a scholarship, all recipients receive a certificate from the Church.

Mackenzie Palmer

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Evon Gregory DeBose Ishan Gittens Sanaa Gittens

Morgan E. Rice Nathaniel Romine


HIGH SCHOOL

▼Natalie Beckford ▼Aylia Black ▼Zaire Cooper

▼Ella DeBose ▼Rachel Harlan ▼Richard Sellers

HICH SCHOOL UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE

Aiden Workman Cameron Gardner David Walton, Jr

GRADUATE SCHOOL

Danielle Barlow Alicia McNeill Francis S. Smith


Visit the church website: www.peopleschurchucc.org for additional information.

To make online donations go to: https://peopleschurchucc.org/online-giving/ or Tithe.ly at: https://tithe.ly/give?c=2030372.

Prayers of the People: Wednesdays at Noon Join Minister Hudson every Wednesday at noon for prayer, scripture, reflection, joys and concern and hymns! Call-in Number 515-604-9545 ID 659959# Join Rev. Brandon Harris for Bible Study Every Thursday at 6 p.m. virtual bible study is held via Zoom and Dial In Dial-in# +1 301 715 8592 US Meeting ID: 992 6852 3678 Password: 784420 Join Zoom Meeting: Click on link below: https://zoom.us/j/99268523678?pwd=NFZrUzNlUXBXczJkMWVxZ1VZclU5UT09 Meeting ID: 992 6852 3678 Password: 784420

The Washington Jazz Arts Institute (WJAI), under the direction of Davey Yarborough and hosted by Peoples Church, is going virtual this Summer! Please visit our website, WJAI.org, or call our office, 202-291-1949, for more information.

POSSE Scholarship nomination period is now open. The POSSE Foundation provides full four-year leadership scholarships to DC, MD, and VA youth. Peoples Church, as a community partner, can nominate up to 10 youth. Applicants must be in their junior year of high school. Nominations close on July 30, 2020. For more information, please visit possefoundation.org. Contact Yvonne Hinkson at [email protected] or 301-803-0305 for additional information and to submit a nomination.

The Hospitality Circle will present the RUPERT B. CLARK SERVICE AWARD to deserving members in September

2020. Nomination forms are available on the church website at peopleschurchucc.org; and can be submitted elec-

tronically. Nominations are to be submitted no later than Friday, July 31, 2020. The two signed letters of support for

the nominees can be submitted electronically to [email protected]. Questions may be submitted to Marie

Whitaker, President of Hospitality Circle or to Walter Faggett, Chair of the Rupert Clark Service Award Committee at

[email protected].

The Bylaw Work Group thanks all Church organizations and individual members as well for input to the proposed

amendment of the Bylaws of our beloved Church. The draft was distributed at the February 19 Council meeting. We

have spoken with each organization about their specific portion of the Bylaws. The Moderator has scheduled a series

of meetings for the Council in preparation of a vote on the proposed amendments. The full governing body (the con-

gregation) will have a 45-day period to examine the document prior to a meeting to vote on its adoption. Members of

the Bylaws Work Group: Pat Ellis, Lead; Robert Hendricks, Moderator, Brenda Ewing, Church Treasurer; Brenda V.

Smith, immediate past Moderator; Marie Whitaker, President, Council of Circles and Clubs and Esther Williams Yar-

borough, At-Large Council member.

http://www.peopleschurchucc.org

https://peopleschurchucc.org/online-giving/

mailto:[email protected]



Since we closed on March 12th our staff has been working non-stop to keep us up and running. We want to thank them for their work and let you know the hours that they are available.

Ms. Yvette Hunter, Operations Specialist

Monday − Friday 9:00 a.m. − 5:00 p.m. Ms. Donika Palmer, Administrative Assistant

Monday − Friday 9:00 a.m. − 5:00 p.m.

Ms. Palmer will be on leave for a few weeks. If you need assistance, please email

[email protected]

MAINTENANCE Mr. Akien Ingram and Ms. Maureen Betton

Monday − Friday 8:00 a.m. − 4:00 p.m. Mr. Lawrence McDaniel

Please note that Mr. McDaniel will be out of the office for a few weeks.

Our church members, Drs. Esther and Thomas Pinder, are highlighted in the

Spring 2020 Newsletter (Donor Profile) of the Morgan State University

Foundation, Inc, Baltimore, MD. Speaking of his four years as a student at

Morgan, Dr. Pinder says, "Those were four of the best years of my life....I

think everyone should have an experience like that."

Congratulations and thank you, Esther and Thomas Pinder for "giving back"

to Morgan State University, just as you so magnanimously support your

church, Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ, Washington, DC.

Evon Handy Ervin

Morgan State University

Class of 1960

"Morgan Forever”



Inez Turner Passed on October 4, 2019

Kevin Holt Passed on November 20, 2019

Harriett Richardson

Passed on December 24, 2019

Vaster Bridgewater

Passed on January 10, 2020

Derek Jones Passed on February 27, 2020

David Driskell Passed on April 1, 2020

Ebena Sims Passed on April 21, 2020

James Jones Passed on June 19, 2020

In Memoriam For members who transitioned September 2019—June 2020


Attached are screenshots of the

VBS opening day Zoom call. We

can only show 49 people, we had

54 at one time with teachers and

support.


2020 MONTHLY

January: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

February: “Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3)

March: “I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continuously be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1)

April: “So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)

May: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

June: “I can do all things through Him (Jesus Christ) Who strengthens me.” (Philippians

4:13)

MEMORY VERSES

July: “God is our refuge and strength, a very pre-sent help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

August: “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)

September: “What no eye has seen, or ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (I Corinthians 2:9)

October: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness, come into His presence with singing. (Psalm

100:1-2)

November: I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm

121:1-2)

December: “She will bear a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

Praying Through the Pandemic: Peoples Church Prayer Partner Ministry

Scripture to Guide: Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. -Romans 12:12 (NRSV)

WHAT: During the pandemic, while the church building may be closed, the work we do as Christians is not. There are many members who miss connecting with one another and/or are dealing with depression and anxie-ty during this time. The Praying Through the Pandemic Ministry will partner church members together and encourage people to call one another (at least once a week) to talk, connect, and most importantly pray for each other.

HOW: If you are interested in participating please email Deacon Diana Veiga ([email protected]) the following info:

• Name

• Email address

• Best contact number

• Best time of day for a phone call

• If you would prefer to be partnered with a male or female

Deadline to respond to Deacon Diana Veiga: Sunday, July 19.

After Deacon Veiga has collected the responses, she will assign prayer partners to one another and introduce each other via email and include each other’s best contact info. She will suggest to participants that they decide on a day and time when they will call each other.



GENERAL INFORMATION

CHOIR REHEARSALS

Voices of Peoples Fellowship Choir Rhythmic Choir Chancel Choir Men’s Chorus Peoples Children and Youth Choir

Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Saturday Saturday 1st and 2nd Saturday

6:30 p.m.—8:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.—8:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.—7:30 p.m. 11:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.—10:00 a.m.

CHURCH BOARDS MONTHLY MEETING SCHEDULES

Board of Christian Education Board of Trustees Church Council Board of Christian Social Action Board of Deacons

1st Wednesday 2nd Wednesday 3rd Wednesday 4th Wednesday Saturday before the 1st Sunday

7:00 p.m. 6:45 p.m. 6:45 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m.

SUNDAY

Worship Service Each Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Holy Communion First Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Adult Church School Each Sunday at 9:00 a.m.

Nursery available during 10:00 a.m. service

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday Word 7:00 a.m.

Wednesday Prayer 12:00 Noon

THURSDAY

Bible Study Each Thursday at 6:00 p.m.

Ministers Email Administrative Staff

Rev. Brandon Harris, Senior Minister [email protected]

Ms. Yvette Hunter, Operations Specialist, [email protected]

Rev. Mahogany Thomas, Executive Minister [email protected]

Ms. Donika Palmer, Administrative Assistant [email protected]

Maintenance Staff

Church Moderator email address: [email protected]

Mr. Lawrence McDaniel Mr. Akien Ingram

Ms. Maureen Betton


MULTI-MEDIA COMMUNICATION PLATFORMS: Our website address is www.peopleschurchucc.org. The website is constantly being updated, so click the refresh button when you visit. Our Twitter handle is @PeoplesCongUCC. You do not need a Twitter Account to follow Peoples Church.

NO PHOTOGRAPHS, VIDEO, OR AUDIO RECORDING: This policy has been adopted to protect the musicians and speakers who are a part of the worship services and special events at the Church. The cooper-ation of the congregation is essential to the observance of this policy by visitors and guests. Photographs and CD recordings of worship services and other events are available as produced by the designated Church photographers and the Sound Engineer. Please contact the Church office to request specific photographs and/or recordings. Thank you.

PLEASE NOTE: By attending Worship Services and other liturgical services at Peoples Church, your image may appear on camera during the transmission of live streaming.

THE PRODDER

The Prodder and Multi-Media platforms exist to further the social connection with the membership of Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ and with the community to promote outreach and notices of important Church events. The social networking tools are designed for easy mass communication and media sharing. Through the Website, members and users can access the Online Giving page to donate to the General Operating Fund and purchase tickets for Church events and fundraisers. Members/users can view the Events Calendar to participate in the life of the Church. Members can advertise Church events through the Website, Facebook Fan Page and Twit-ter. Members/users can view live streaming of Church Worship Services and other special liturgical services from the Website on Facebook Live. The Website is the “New Front Door of the Church,” and allows members/users to interact, communicate and connect to foster connectivity and community.

Prodder Guidelines

All announcements and flyers must be submitted by the third Tuesday of the month by 12:00 Noon. Announcements and flyers can be emailed to [email protected],. Do not mail information. Announcements should be no more than 50 words and should be informational about Peoples Church events or members and their families. Announce-ments may be edited.

FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ALTAR

To order a designer floral arrangement to remember your loved one or recognize a special day, contact Vernandi Richardson, (202)829-5511 or Diane Miller for additional information.

FACILITY RESERVATIONS

If you wish to reserve space for an event and/or ac-tivity, please contact Ms. Yvette Hunter, Operations Specialist, at the church office on (202) 829-5511 or email [email protected] to complete a reservation contract. Facility reservations can also be made online through the church’s website: www.peopleschurchucc.org. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis; however, religious events and funerals take precedence. Peoples Church is a multi-use venue so reservations are necessary Member and non-member reservation fees apply.

FIRST AID KITS

First Aid Kits have been placed in the Main Office and the Fellowship Hall/Kitchen area. Incident Re-porting Forms are also available in the Main Office for completion. All incidents must be reported on the forms, regardless of how small the incident. The completed forms should be given to any member of the office/volunteer staff. .

MORE GENERAL INFORMATION

http://www.peopleschurchucc.org

Washington, DC 20011 Peoples Prodder · Washington, DC 20011 Rev. Brandon Harris Senior Minister...

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