A Request for St. George’s College in Jerusalem

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Along with many of you, I pray for peace in all the Middle East, and especially in Jerusalem.  My pilgrimage at St. George’s College in that holy city made a profound impact on my spiritual life.  Now I have learned of a way to give back the blessing I received and for you to make a difference for a community that affords Christians throughout the world the opportunity to experience Jesus’s life and ministry in His homeland.  Here is the news and request for help from The Rev. Barkley Thompson, President, North American Committee for St. George’s College Jerusalem.  (Emphasis added and lightly edited)

“The current crisis in the Holy Land precludes pilgrimages to St. George’s and that loss of pilgrim income leaves St. George’s vulnerable to closure.  The North American Committee (NAC) for St. George’s College in Jerusalem is launching a capital campaign called “Let Light Shine Out of Darkness” with the purpose of raising an initial $695,000 to sustain St. George’s College through 2025. We hope to raise an additional $500,000 to build an endowment to ensure St. George’s continued success.  We hope you will prayerfully support this campaign to let light shine out of the darkness in this time. Your gifts will be gratefully accepted and added to those already committed by the full NAC board.  If you are inclined to give now, please CLICK HERE * to make a secure donation.  St. George’s College in Jerusalem is a center for reconciliation and formation for each of us and I hope you will help us ensure stability for them during this time of crisis.”

Thank you for your consideration to support our fellow Christians in their hour of dire need.

Fran

For more information on St. George’s College, Jerusalem, visit their website: https://www.saintgeorgescollegejerusalem.com/

Muldoon Concerts for 2024-2025 Program Year

The Muldoon Memorial Concert Series is about to begin its 2024-2025 season of free Sunday afternoon concerts, all at 4:00 pm at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. You are warmly invited to attend these concerts, each of which will be followed by an informal reception where you can meet the artists.

October 6, 4:00 pm – Terra Voce Ensemble (Flute and Cello)

 Terra Voce thrills audiences with lively concert programs that explore a colorful array of musical styles from Baroque to tango, Brazilian choro and European folk. Known for performances that combine the diverse and unexpected, cellist Andrew Gabbert and flutist Elizabeth Brightbill connect with their listeners through music that surprises, uplifts, and inspires curiosity. The duo’s down-to-earth approach creates a relaxed and refreshingly informal setting for performances that test the limits of what is possible on just two instruments. This performance is partially supported by funding from the Virginia Commission for the  Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

January 26, 4:00 pm – Joshua Espinoza Trio

Latino-American jazz pianist Joshua Espinoza blends and bends genres into songs that are immediately relatable yet hard to define. Alongside bassist Kris Monson and drummer Jaron Lamar Davis, the Joshua Espinoza Trio explores the undefined space between jazz improvisation, classical chamber music, pop aesthetics and folk traditions.

 

March 23, 4:00 pm – Fourth Annual Annandale Bach Birthday Marathon

An afternoon of short performances of organ works of J. S. Bach by talented local artists on St. Alban’s beautiful (and recently restored) mechanical action organ (John Leek, Op. 1).Audience members can drop in and depart at will – but you’ll want to stay for the whole thing! When the marathon ends at 6:00 pm., concertgoers and musicians will continue to celebrate Johann Sebastian  with a festive reception, where beer and German fare will be served.

May 18, 4:00 pm – William Porter, Organist

Widely known as a performer in the United States and in Europe, William Porter has also achieved international recognition for his skill in improvisation in a wide variety of styles, ancient and modern. He has performed at major international festivals and academies across Europe and North America, and has served as a jury member for a number of important organ competitions. He presently serves as Professor of Organ at the Eastman School of Music, where he also teaches improvisation, harpsichord, and clavichord. He previously taught at the New England Conservatory, Oberlin College Conservatory, McGill University in Montreal, and Yale University. Prof. Porter will offer a public masterclass for area organists the day prior.

For information about supporting this series by contributing to our concert fund, please see last page of this publication for a donation form or pick a form up in the narthex. We are look forward to welcoming you to our concerts!

Seminarian Reflection: Serving as Worship

This reflection comes from the monthly newsletter The Word. For the entirety of the October newsletter, click here!

As I reflect on the general operations of a church – from the numerous coffee hours, funeral receptions, parish life events like ice cream socials and Oktoberfest (coming to us this year on Friday, October 4!), the grounds and building care necessary for the maintenance of the building, to the swaths of people who support on Sunday mornings from Altar Guild to lectors to the choir – I am truly astonished and humbled. The sheer number of people and the total number of hours that are spent maintaining and supporting our church alongside the clergy and staff is, when you really think about it, jaw-dropping.

It is abundantly clear to me that the act of serving and participating in the life of the church is not just volunteerism, but a profound act of worship.

The buzzing activity of this parish reminds me very much of the early church in Acts 2. We have people from all over the world, with all different backgrounds and careers, from all different ages and experiences of life. People in the early church “ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people” (Acts 2:46-47). Sounds familiar, right?

All of us who engage with the holy spaces of St. Alban’s, even the simple act of being here in person as a worshipping member of the community, are participating more fully in the life of Christ, in the living memory of the early church, and in the continued dynamism of the hands and feet of Jesus, as St. Paul writes, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27) . There is something sacred – dare I say sacramental – in being and doing within a church. Indeed, I am convinced that the working, serving, praying, and being with one another is a critical way by which we engage with the God of All Reality.

If you have been hesitant to serve in some capacity here, if you have been hesitant to join a group or to try reading the Scriptures on Sunday mornings, or to serve as a crucifer, consider that this offering of your time and skill in worship is an offering and a sacrifice to God. It is an offering which contributes to our joined action in the worship of our Lord Jesus Christ ever more fully. We serve because He first served us, and we recognize the gift that “from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (John 1:16). Amen!

 

 

A Reflection on Silence – From the Rector

This reflection comes from the monthly newsletter The Word. For the entirety of the October newsletter, click here!

Silence speaks volumes. That’s an old quote that’s been around for so long; no one really knows who first said it. In our busy worlds we have podcasts and audio-books to keep us company on our daily commute. My doctor’s waiting room had a large TV that constantly blared some unrealistic reality show from the Home and Gardens channel. Life is busy enough, and chaotic enough, so I wonder, do we really need to introduce yet more noise?

When I think about the idea of silence, I’m reminded of Proverbs 17:28: “Even fools who keep silent are considered wise; when they close their lips, they are deemed intelligent.” Those are wise words, and I know I should heed them every now and then, but the silence I have in mind is not so much about keeping one’s mouth shut, but enjoying the absence of noise, chaos and busyness.

Silence is food for the soul: on several occasions Jesus needed to get away for silence and for prayer and he encouraged his disciples go to a quiet place and get some rest. At a recent clergy gathering I attended, the conversation turned to the topic of silence in worship. I immediately acknowledged that I don’t do a very good job of keeping silent during Sunday worship. A member of the group reminded me that silence during prayer and during worship is not dead space but is instead living space – time that is alive with God’s Spirit.

I did a word count the other day (many thanks to the Adobe Acrobat Reader “find” function) and was surprised to see that the Book of Common Prayer uses the word ‘silence’ over 90 times. Some of the moments of silence in our liturgy are absolutely beautiful and striking: there is silence during the ordination service just before the bishop prays the prayer of consecration over a new deacon or priest.  The silent entrance at the beginning of the Good Friday liturgy followed by a period of silent prayer is very stirring. But not all silence needs to be so significant or powerful.

There are moments of silence prescribed and implied throughout our liturgies. We hold a moment of silence after the sermon, before the Nicene Creed, as a brief time of reflection – on both the scriptures read and the homily just preached. Silence between prayer petitions in the Sunday morning Prayers of the People allows us to add our own heartfelt prayers to the communal prayers being offered up. Silence before the public prayer of confession is meant to be a time to briefly assess those troubled areas in your life that need to be offered up to God. During the celebration of the Eucharist, when the priest consecrates the bread and wine, there are unscripted moments when it is appropriate for the priest to pause for a moment of personal, silent prayer (remember, while you’re worshiping the clergy are working….).

Before Sunday worship begins with the processional hymn, hopefully there is silence, and time for you to kneel (or not) and pray that your heart is open to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; that your eyes are open to the beauty and wonder of God’s creation; that your ears are open to the cries of the needy and the downtrodden; that your mind is focused on the worship of God and that you may be energized, refreshed and prepared to go into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. (We even provide a couple of prayers for you in the back of the bulletin.)

Mother Teresa once said, “We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence.” I invite you to try to put a little bit of silence in your day, if you can – even a few minutes in a day will make a difference. Your soul will thank you, and you might just find that it becomes a routine part of your day.  “Go away to a quiet place and rest awhile.”  (Mark 6:31)

Evensong on Pentecost with the Choirs of St. Alban’s & St. John’s

On Sunday May 19 at 5:00 PM, the choirs of St. Alban’s, Annandale and St. John’s, McLean will offer a joint service of Choral Evensong for Pentecost.

The service will take place at St. John’s – the church’s address is 6715 Georgetown Pike. There is plentiful parking!

Adam’s husband Karl Robson is the Director of Music at St. John’s – they have frequently collaborated like this in the past and are excited to do so again! Please come and support our choir on their last Sunday of the program year.

We hope to see you at St. John’s, McLean, at 5:00 pm on Sunday, May 19 at 5:00 pm!

Muldoon Concert on Sunday, October 22 at 4:00pm

Please join us Sunday, October 22 at 4:00pm for a free performance by professional singer Madeline Miskie, who presents a program called “Into the Light: Songs of Transformation.” The common thread woven throughout the program is transformation, exploring critical moments in time when the truth cannot be unseen and change is inevitable. Spanning the genres of plainchant, baroque, folk, art song, contemporary musical theater and pop, this program promises wide range of vocal colors and musical soundscapes.

The Muldoon Memorial Concert Series was established in 1990 by the Muldoon Family in memory of long-time choir members Ken and Hulda Muldoon. The series offers several concerts during the church year, and remains free and open to the public, thanks in part to an Endowment Fund. For more information about the concert series, and upcoming concerts, click here.

Updates from the Holy Land pilgrimage group

When in Jerusalem, we are mostly sheltering in place with minimal ventures out for necessities like pharmacy needs. We can eat, relax and pray within the cathedral walls. The neighborhood is quiet as some businesses are operating fewer hours — mostly because shopowners and employees who live in the West Bank can’t get through checkpoints easily if at all. Palestinian Muslims especially have to be careful out of fear of retribution by Jewish extremists if they are in the wrong place; so some busineses are on a skeleton crew.  In the meantime we are being cautious, and prudent; and all of the activities near or in the West Bank have been cancelled.

Everyone is grateful for all the support, love, and care coming from home. We continue to pray for a resolution to the situation—and peace in the Holy Land.

October 10, 2023 – Galilee

Today we ventured out of Nazareth to Galilee, visited the Church of the Multiplication, Capernaum, and held a mass on the lakeshore. We swam a little late this afternoon. All is business as usual up here in Nazareth. We plan to return to the cathedral close in East Jerusalem tomorrow.

There have been many blessings in the midst of this situation, and we are determined to make the best of it. Our leaders and hosts are very candid, and we have at least two open conversations per day assessing the information we have at the time. Those who have tried to leave in the past couple of days have had some challenges getting out.

Thank you for your prayers.

October 9, 2023 – Nazareth

Greetings St Alban’s! We are coming to you from beautiful Nazareth, where we are staying at the Sisters of Nazareth Convent.

Our day started with a two hour drive up the west coast of Israel to Caesarea. The original city was built by Herod the Great starting in 30 BCE and is situated on the Mediterranean Sea. It became a great commercial city and by 6 BCE was the headquarters of the Roman government in Palestine. It is now a beautiful archeological national park. We walked among the ruins of the theatre, promontory palace, amphitheater (used for chariot racing), and impressive harbor. The site was not crowded due to the unrest so we were able to take our time as we followed our wonderful guide Rodney from site to site. We felt so lucky to be in such a beautiful place with the gorgeous Mediterranean beyond the ruins. We had free time for lunch and further exploration. Fr. Paul even took a swim in the water! We closed out our visit with ice cream and boarded the bus for our second activity.

Closer to Nazareth, we visited another archeological park on the site of the city of Sepphoris. After the death of Herod the Great, his son, Herod Antipas, was made governor of the area and rebuilt the city, proclaiming it the “Ornament of Galilee.” I believe it was considered at that time to be the capital of Galilee. Given its close proximity to Nazareth, it is possible that Jesus and his father might have come to the city for work. It is also believed by some that this was where Mary was born and where her parents resided. We saw a Roman theatre, a 5th century Byzantine synagogue, a Roman villa dating back to 200 AD, and 12th century Crusader tower. There are over 60 mosaics dating from the 3rd to 6th century AD. The most famous of these is of a young g woman that has been dubbed the “Mona Lisa of the Galilee.”

After a full day, we boarded the bus one more time to make our way to the Convent. Before enjoying a delicious meal of soup, chicken, potatoes, and beans, we camped out in the courtyard and sang along to The Beach Boys and Bob Marley. We feel very safe with our St. George’s team and they are doing a great job of rescheduling our itinerary due to the current situation.

We look forward to seeing you soon and appreciate your continued prayers.

October 8, 2023 – Calvary

October 6, 2023 – The Wilderness

October 2, 2023 – Petra

Inhabited since prehistoric times, Petra is situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea and was an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. Petra is half-built, half-carved into the rock, and is surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges. It is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites.

2023 Youth Mission Activities

For 2023 the St. Alban’s Youth Group stayed local for their summer mission work.  This year the group spent a week learning about need in the local community, and how we can help meet those needs.

The group is ready to do their part to clean up Sleepy Hollow Rd.

On Monday the group took a walk into Annandale to talk about how the area’s infrastructure (lack of sidewalks and inconvenient bus service) creates problems for those in our community without transportation, or with
inadequate transportation.  Later the the group spent time giving back to the community through a road-side cleanup on Sleepy Hollow Road.  On Monday afternoon, the group traveled to the Samaritan Ministry Anacostia office to find out how our ministry partner organization helps others get a second chance and a new start in life.

On Tuesday, the group helped out at the Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) Child Development Center.  In the morning the team helped the kids build and fly paper airplanes, build a 3′ tall rocket and helped unload a delivery of supplies for the school.  After lunch the group returned to spend the afternoon on the playground with the kids.

Cole shows a new friend the proper technique for folding a paper airplane.

On Wednesday to Youth Group traveled back to Anacostia, this time to Martha’s Table to help set up and run their daily “Martha’s Table

Unloading fresh produce for Martha’s Table Market.

Market,” a farmer’s market for households in need.  Twice a month, families can “shop” at the free market for fresh produce, meat and non-perishable food items.

Just finished repackaging 15 crates of collard greens.

The week will end with a jaunt into West Virginia to spend time together, do some team building, and spend a day canoeing on the Cheat River.

Our group: Zach, Fr. Jeff, Alison, Cris, CC, Fr. Paul, Debbe, Sam, Cole, Heath, Harry.

 

2023 Strategic Plan Update

For every organization, be it a business, a charity or a church, planning is essential to success.

As mentioned at St. Alban’s Annual Meeting this spring, your vestry is working on three-year strategic plan that will serve as both an audit of current activities and a roadmap to prioritize future endeavors. With the overarching goals of expanding our parish membership, enhancing their spiritual growth and development, and impacting the community, the plan embraces five main pillars of focus to coordinate our activities within:

  • Expand Spiritual Growth and Renewal
  • Support Discipleship/Christianity
  • Embody Service and Community
  • Remain Vibrant and Relevant
  • Enhance Christian Education and Learning

When auditing current activities, we looked at a number of factors, including implementation resources (both human and financial) and current parishioner engagement. We took the time to evaluate what we believe St. Albans does well. Which is considerable! We also looked at where we struggle to provide services due to lack of human or financial resources, what our church should keep doing and areas where we believe resources could be redeployed to help us better serve our parishioners and the community.

When looking at future initiatives/ideas, we used a similar lens, focusing on what we believe would deepen our worship, and enhance our spirituality, provide a strong return on investment to strengthen the church financially, increase our engagement in the community and continue to grow in number.

In addition to our Vestry members, we offer special thanks to a working group of St. Alban’s parishioners who have been helpful in providing input on the strategic plan. Members include Vestry members Monique Clark, Debra Becker, and Alison Dilworth, and parishioners Pam Mathes, Mark Deal, and Chuck Blanchard.

Please click here to review the proposed 2023-2025 Strategic Plan. We welcome your feedback as we continue our work of being a vibrant source of faith, hope, renewal to all who engage with us.

Bob Ensinger and Chris Murphy Peck
Co-Chairs, St. Albans Strategic Planning Task Force